Author: RJB
******************************NC DEFTECH*******************************
This is the first of several emails regarding the Department of Defense (DoD) Fiscal Year 2021 budget request. Although not yet approved by Congress, it is a very good indication of where DoD is setting its priority of effort.
In the FY 2021 president’s budget request, DOD has identified $106.6 billion for research and development, the largest research funding request in more than 70 years. $7 billion of which will be for “Advanced Capability Enablers that include hypersonics, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G and microelectronics, and autonomous platforms.
$1.5billion for 5G and microelectronics; $841 million for artificial intelligence; $1.7 billion in autonomy; and $3.2 billion for hypersonics. Note that these DoD priorities are closely aligned with the Army Big 6.
Some general trends:
- DoD is looking for ways to save $$ and reinvest into modernization efforts.
- Space Force is a priority….Army may be the biggest bill-payer as its budget has been reduced by $4b and it …Space Force will be under the Air Force like the Marines are under the Dept of the Navy.
- Services cutting old weapons to develop new ones
- Army increases funding for its “Big 6” by 26%, but reduces the Bradley Replacement vehicle (NextGen combat Vehicle) by 11%
- Navy requests $4billion less than in 2020: Plans to reduce Marines by 2000, procure 4 fewer ships, 1 less submarine. Focus is on capable capacity over capable legacy platforms. Congress does not seem to concur, so expect changes. DoD wants the Navy to start investing ins small optionally-manned or unmanned surface vehicles.
North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH)
Dennis Lewis
703-217-3127
Bob Burton
910.824.9609
