The US Air Force has placed a request of $166.3bn for its 2012 budget – down $4.5bn from 2011 – with primary focus on combat capabilities and balance.

The budget proposal priorities include strengthening the nuclear enterprise, partnering with the joint and coalition team engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq and modernising air, space and cyberspace inventories.

The air force is requesting $5.2bn to strengthen the nuclear enterprise while modernisation efforts include F-15 Eagle radar upgrades, C-5A Galaxy engine and reliability upgrades and C-130 Hercules avionics modernisation and improvements.

“The procurement portion of the 2012 budget includes funding for 48 MQ-9 Reapers, the maximum number that can be produced for the air force within a given year,” General Flowers said.

The request includes $553m for advanced extremely-high-frequency (AEHF) satellites, and $244m toward advanced procurement for space-based infrared system (SBIRS) satellites.

The largest portion of the decrease constitutes the reduction of $4.4bn in the overseas contingency operations, which relates to the drawdown in Iraq.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.