Department of Defense Requests $17.2 Billion for Science and Technology Projects in Fiscal 2025, Prioritizing AI, Space, and Cyber Technologies

The Department of Defense is making a significant investment in science and technology projects for fiscal 2025, with a request for $17.2 billion in funding. The majority of this budget would be allocated to three key areas: AI and autonomy, space, and integrated sensing and cyber. These areas are crucial for military modernization and the development of next-generation capabilities.

Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Heidi Shyu, has identified 14 critical technology areas that are being prioritized, including trusted AI and autonomy, space technology, renewable energy generation, and microelectronics. The proposed budget includes funding for advanced tech development, applied research, and basic research, with a focus on transitioning new capabilities into production.

The Pentagon’s budget request for fiscal 2025 is slightly lower than the previous year, but still significant. The funding would be divided among various defense agencies and services, with the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Space Force all receiving allocations. The goal is to field new capabilities at scale and ensure that promising technologies are transitioned effectively.

Initiatives such as the Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) and the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) programs are aimed at helping transition new technologies into production. These programs provide funding for small and nontraditional contractors to bridge the gap between development and production.

Overall, the Department of Defense is focused on investing in cutting-edge technologies to maintain its competitive edge and ensure the readiness of the U.S. military. The funding for science and technology projects in fiscal 2025 reflects this commitment to innovation and modernization.