# Space Force Highlights Budget Impact at AFA Conference

At the 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference hosted by the Air and Space Forces Association in National Harbor, Maryland, key defense contractors including Pratt & Whitney, AeroVironment, Ursa Major, Hermeus, and Anduril showcased advanced aerospace and defense technologies such as missiles, drones, counter-drone systems, and pilot training solutions. Gen. Doug Schiess, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, emphasized that approximately 10% of the Space Force's planned programs cannot proceed without new congressional appropriations or a special spending carveout, signaling potential delays in space-related procurement initiatives.

- The Space Force's budget constraints highlight the critical need for congressional action to fund ongoing and upcoming space defense programs.
- Defense contractors exhibiting at the conference represent key players positioned to compete for future Space Force contracts in aerospace, missile, drone, and cyber domains.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate possible shifts in program timelines and funding availability due to budget uncertainties.
- Companies may benefit from aligning their offerings with Space Force priorities and preparing for potential contract opportunities once appropriations are secured.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Space Force (USSF)
- Air and Space Forces Association (AFA)
- Air Force Association (AFA)

### Vendors
- Pratt & Whitney (exhibitor)
- AeroVironment (exhibitor)
- Ursa Major (exhibitor)
- Hermeus (exhibitor)
- Anduril (exhibitor)

### Key Quotes
> about 10 percent of the Space Force’s planned efforts for the months ahead can’t proceed without a new spending bill, or a special congressional carveout.
> — Gen. Doug Schiess, Chief of Space Operations

### Sources
- [A surprise engine team up, plus a budget warning from space - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/a-surprise-engine-team-up-plus-a-budget-warning-from-space) - Breaking Defense
- [Missiles, drones and counter-drone systems: A look at day 2 of AFA - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/missiles-drones-and-counter-drone-systems-a-look-at-day-2-of-afa) - Breaking Defense