Air, Space Force Budgets Prioritize New Weapons, Slash 5,700 Civilian Jobs

Pentagon spending plan boosts missile programs, ISR, and counterspace systems while cutting billions in civilian pay and contracting services.

WASHINGTON | The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force are shifting budget priorities toward weapons modernization and force growth, while simultaneously eliminating thousands of civilian positions and scaling back contractor services.

Air Force: Missiles and Modernization Take Center Stage

The Air Force’s fiscal 2026 budget emphasizes investment in next-generation weapons and mass-production missile capabilities. A central element is the Family Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) program — a cost-effective, long-range subsonic cruise missile designed to be built in high volumes. The program is set to begin procurement next year, alongside upgrades to the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) and the extended-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM-ER).

The budget also boosts intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and funds Air Force Weapons System Sustainment (WSS) at 85% of required levels. In total, the service’s $188 billion request represents a $24.9 billion increase — 13.5% higher than the previous year.

In addition, the Air Force is planning a 3.8% pay raise for service members and an increase of 1,500 active personnel to strengthen force readiness.

Space Force: Counterspace and Satellite Dominance

The Space Force plans to add 600 Guardians while sharpening its focus on satellite communications resilience and counterspace operations. Counterspace systems are designed to disrupt adversary satellite networks and preserve U.S. dominance in orbital domains.

A key initiative in the budget is the continuation of Bounty Hunter, an electronic warfare system that detects and counters enemy electromagnetic interference across multiple domains. The Space Force will also continue funding missile warning and tracking programs, alongside layered missile defense systems supporting Golden Dome, President Donald Trump’s homeland missile shield.

Cuts to Civilian Workforce and Services

Despite the growth in weapons programs, the Department of the Air Force (which oversees both services) is set to eliminate more than 5,700 civilian jobs and cut $2.3 billion across three major categories: travel funding, civilian pay, and advisory/assistance services.

• $2 billion in cuts will fall on the Air Force.
• $289 million in cuts will affect the Space Force.

These reductions will hit a broad spectrum of support roles, from recruit training and property maintenance to base support, procurement, and technical assistance.

A release from the Air Force said the budget aims to “optimize and reshape the workforce by reducing both civilian workforce full-time equivalents and contract services.”

Strategic Tradeoffs

Analysts note the dual nature of the budget: expanding combat capability through mass-producible missiles and advanced space systems, while reducing reliance on civilian manpower and contractor support. The restructuring reflects both Pentagon cost-cutting pressures and the shifting nature of modern conflict, where missile salvos and space-based assets are seen as decisive.

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-- By Sarah Darden

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