Editing United States Armed Forces (section)

==Modernization and budget==
===Budget===
{{Main|Military budget of the United States}}
The United States manages the [[List of countries by military expenditures|world's largest]] [[Military budget of the United States|military budget]], followed by the [[Military budget of China|People's Republic of China]], [[Military budget of India|India]], United Kingdom, and [[Military budget of Russia|Russia]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-top-10-countries-by-military-spending/ | title=Ranked: Top 10 Countries by Military Spending | date=18 August 2022 }}</ref>

The [[James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023]] established the topline defense budget as $857.9 billion, with the Department of Defense receiving $816.7 billion and the [[United States Department of Energy|Department of Energy]]'s national security programs receiving $30.3 billion, an 8% increase from Fiscal Year 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy23_ndaa_agreement_summary.pdf|title=Summary of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act|website=armed-services.senate.gov}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/congress/budget/2022/12/16/congress-authorizes-8-defense-budget-increase/ | title=Congress authorizes 8% defense budget increase | date=16 December 2022 }}</ref>

The [[United States Department of the Air Force|Department of the Air Force]] budget, unlike the [[United States Department of the Army|Department of the Army]] or [[United States Department of the Navy|Department of the Navy]] has a sizable portion of "pass-through." This is money not controlled or used by the Air Force, but is instead passed to other Department of Defense agencies and can be up to 17% of the department's budget. This pass-through allocation gives the impression that the Air Force is the highest funded military department. It is actually the least funded.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.afa.org/news/congress-must-stop-dods-misleading-budget-practices-and-end-pass-through-practices|title=Congress Must Stop DOD's Misleading Budget Practices and End Pass-Through Practices|website=afa.org}}</ref>

{{Bar chart
| title       = Defense budget by account (FY23)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/strategy-and-congressional-national-defense-authorization-act-fiscal-year-2023 | title=Strategy and the Congressional National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 | date=7 December 2022 | last1=Cordesman | first1=Anthony H. }}</ref>
| label_type  = Account
| data_type   = U.S. dollars (billions)
| bar_width   = 35
| width_units = em
| data_max    = 300
| label1   = Procurement
| data1    = 163
| label2   = Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation
| data2    = 139
| label3   = Operations & Maintenance 
| data3    = 279
| label4   = Military Personnel & Health 
| data4    = 210
| label5   = Military Construction 
| data5    = 19
| label6   = Defense-related Nuclear Programs 
| data6    = 30
}}

{{Bar chart
| title       = Defense budget by military service (FY24)
| label_type  = Service
| data_type   = U.S. dollars (billions)
| bar_width   = 35
| width_units = em
| data_max    = 250
| label1   = Army<ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/us-army-delivers-185-5-billion-request-for-fy24-maintains-weapon-development-portfolio/ | title=US Army delivers $185.5 billion request for FY24, maintains weapon development portfolio | date=13 March 2023 }}</ref>
| data1    = 185.5
| label2   = Marine Corps<ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/in-255b-budget-navy-prioritizes-3-subs-and-hypersonics-skips-amphib-buys/ | title=In $255B budget, Navy prioritizes 3 subs and hypersonics, skips amphib buys | date=13 March 2023 }}</ref>
| data2    = 53.2
| label3   = Navy<ref name="auto15">{{cite web|url=https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/FY2024/FY2024_Budget_Request.pdf|title=Office of the Under Secretary of Defense {{notatypo|(}}Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer March 2023|website=comptroller.defense.gov}}</ref>
| data3    = 202.6
| label4   = Air Force<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/03/13/air-force-proposes-stagnant-workforce-flight-time-in-fy24-budget/ | title=Air Force proposes stagnant workforce, flight time in FY24 budget | date=13 March 2023 }}</ref>
| data4    = 185.1 
| label5   = Space Force<ref>{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-budget-hits-30-billion-in-2024-funding-proposal/ | title=U.S. Space Force budget hits $30 billion in 2024 proposal | date=13 March 2023 }}</ref>
| data5    = 30
| label6   = Coast Guard<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/U.S.%20COAST%20GUARD.pdf|title=U.S. Coast Guard|website=dhs.gov}}</ref>
| data6    = 13.45
| label7   = Defense-wide<ref name="auto15"/>
| data7    = 141.3
}}

===Army modernization===
{{main|Army Futures Command}}
[[File:U S Space Force Essential to U S Army Modernization (7006666).jpeg|thumb|upright|Launch of [[Precision Strike Missile]] from a [[M142 HIMARS]] at [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]]]]

The Army's modernization efforts, led by [[Army Futures Command]], are centralized into six priorities. Each priority is led by a Cross Functional Team.

[[Long Range Precision Fires]] is the land service's top modernization priority, focusing on rebuilding its [[Field Artillery Branch (United States)|Field Artillery Branch]] in response to longer range Russian and Chinese artillery systems. The [[Extended Range Cannon Artillery]] program is developing a cannon artillery piece that can accurately fire at targets 70 kilometers away, an increase from the 30 kilometer distance of current cannon artillery. The [[Precision Strike Missile]] is a surface-to-surface guided missile intended to be fired from the current [[M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System]] and [[M142 HIMARS]], replacing their current missiles and doubling the rate of fire. The Army is also working with the [[Missile Defense Agency]], U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force to develop a common hypersonic glide body, which the Army will employ as part of the mobile ground launched [[Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon]] program. Finally, the Army is working to modify the U.S. Navy's [[RIM-174 Standard ERAM]] and [[Tomahawk (missile family)|UGM-109 Tomahawk]] land attack cruise missile for ground launch to provide the Army with mid-range artillery capability.<ref name=":3" />

The [[Next Generation Combat Vehicle]] program is developing a family of fighting vehicles for the [[Armor Branch]] to increase firepower, speed, and survivability. The [[Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle]] is intended to replace the [[M2 Bradley]], while the [[Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle]] will replace the [[M113 armored personnel carrier]]s, which have been used since the Vietnam War. The three variants of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle are general purpose, mission command, and medical treatment. The [[Mobile Protected Firepower]] is designed to be a [[light tank]] for [[Infantry Brigade Combat Team]]s. Finally, the [[Robotic Combat Vehicle]]s are intended to come in light, medium, and heavy variants that will serve as scouts and escorts for crewed combat vehicles.<ref name=":3" />

[[File:Bell V-280 Valor takeoff demo, 2019 Alliance Air Show, Fort Worth, TX.jpg|thumb|The [[V-280 Valor]] flying in tiltrotor configuration]]
The [[Future Vertical Lift]] program is intended to replace the current helicopter fleet flown by the [[United States Army Aviation Branch|Army Aviation Branch]].

The [[Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft]] is intended to replace the [[UH-60 Black Hawk]] and the Marine Corps [[UH-1Y Venom]], with the Army selecting the [[Bell V-280 Valor]] [[tiltrotor]] aircraft as the winner.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2022/12/06/bells-v-280-valor-just-won-the-most-important-army-helicopter-competition-in-40-years/?sh=1d42f5444fcc | title=Bell's V-280 Valor Just Won the Most Important Army Helicopter Competition in 40 Years | website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref> The [[Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft]] is intended to replace the [[AH-64 Apache]] in the attack and reconnaissance roles.<ref name=":3" />

The Army is working to modernize its [[military communication|communication]] networks for the [[Army Signal Corps]], including developing a Unified Network consisting of an integrated tactical network, an integrated enterprise network, and unified network-enabling capabilities. Other sub-efforts include developing a common operating environment, ensuring the network is interoperable with the other services and allied countries, and increasing the mobility and reducing the signature of its [[command post]]s. Efforts also include modernizing [[Global Positioning System]] technology to provide assured positioning, navigation, and timing, and working with the [[United States Intelligence Community]] and commercial space companies to increase the Army's access to space-based [[intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance]] capabilities.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2022-06-15 |title=Army Readiness and Modernization in 2022 |url=https://www.ausa.org/publications/army-readiness-and-modernization-2022 |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=AUSA |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:2022 09 16 Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade Rangers in Action demonstration and Graduation 200609-A-YH902-002.jpg|thumb|Army Rangers armed with the [[XM7 rifle]] and [[XM250]] light machine gun]]

Recognizing that the United States is unlikely to have uncontested [[air superiority]], the Army is undergoing a mass revitalization of its [[Integrated Air and Missile Defense|air and missile defense enterprise]] through the [[Air Defense Artillery Branch]].

The first layer of defense is the Ballistic Low-Altitude Drone Engagement, which will be mounted on the [[Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station]] and is designed to engage small [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s. The second layer is the Multi-Mission High Energy Laser, which will intercept small drones and munitions. The third and fourth layers comprise the Maneuver Air Defense Technology and Next-Generation Fires Radar, which will be integrated into [[short range air defense]] systems. The fifth layer puts a High-Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator onto a [[Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles|Medium Tactical Vehicle]], while the sixth layer encompasses the Low-Cost Extended-Range Air Defense to supplement the [[MIM-104 Patriot]] missiles.<ref name=":3"/>

Finally, the Army is looking to improve the equipment of its soldiers in the [[Infantry Branch (United States)|Infantry Branch]] with the [[Next Generation Squad Weapon]], the [[Integrated Visual Augmentation System]], and the Synthetic Training Environment.<ref name=":3" /> In 2022, the Army selected the [[SIG Sauer]]'s [[XM7 rifle]] and [[XM250]] light machine gun to replace the [[M4 carbine]] and the [[M249 light machine gun]] through the Next Generation Squad Weapon program.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/2022/10/10/next-generation-squad-weapon-fielding-in-2023/ | title=Next Generation Squad Weapon on target for 2023 | date=10 October 2022 }}</ref>

===Marine Corps modernization===
{{main|Force Design 2030}}
[[File:NMESIS launcher.jpg|thumb|A [[Naval Strike Missile]] launcher on the [[Joint Light Tactical Vehicle]]]]
The Marine Corps modernization is being executed under the aegis of [[Force Design 2030]], which is intended to return the service to its naval and amphibious roots serving as a "stand-in" force within contested areas of the maritime littorals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/analyzing-the-biggest-changes-in-the-marine-corps-force-design-2030-update/ | title=Analyzing the biggest changes in the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 update | date=14 June 2022 }}</ref> As part of this effort, the Marine Corps has begun establishing naval-focused Marine Littoral Regiments, consisting of a Littoral Combat Team, Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, and a Combat Logistics Battalion. The Littoral Combat Team is organized around an infantry battalion with an anti-ship missile battery, focused on conducting sea denial operations in support of the Navy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2708146/marine-littoral-regiment-mlr/ | title=Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) }}</ref>

The Marine Corps is in the process of acquiring the [[Amphibious Combat Vehicle]], which is slated to replace the aging [[Assault Amphibious Vehicle]]. The Amphibious Combat Vehicle is intended to support the Marines during amphibious assaults and once they have reached shore. The Marine Corps has also adopted the [[Naval Strike Missile]] which is fielded from a modified [[Joint Light Tactical Vehicle]] as part of the Marines' artillery battalions. The concept is that small mobile units of Marines would move around different islands and shorelines with these weapons to fire on adversary ships.<ref name="auto18">{{cite web | url=https://news.usni.org/2022/12/22/top-stories-2022-u-s-marine-corps-acquisition | title=Top Stories 2022: U.S. Marine Corps Acquisition | date=22 December 2022 }}</ref>

Marine Corps aviation is also in the process of acquiring the [[CH-53K King Stallion]] helicopter for heavy lift, replacing the current [[CH-53E Super Stallion]] in the role. The Marine Corps is also looking to replace its [[UH-1Y Venom]] helicopters through the [[Future Vertical Lift]] program and is in the process of acquiring a significant number of [[unmanned aerial vehicles]], such as the [[MQ-9 Reaper]].<ref name="auto18"/>

===Navy modernization===
[[File:U.S. Navy guided-missile frigate FFG(X) artist rendering, 30 April 2020 (200430-N-NO101-150).JPG|thumb|Rendering of {{USS|Constellation|FFG-62}}]]
Like the Marine Corps, the Navy is in the process of overhauling and modernizing its fleet with a renewed focus. While the Navy is continuing to purchase [[Arleigh Burke-class destroyer|''Arleigh Burke''-class destroyer]]s, it is embarking on the [[DDG(X)]] program of guided missile destroyers to replace them and the [[Ticonderoga-class cruiser|''Ticonderoga''-class cruiser]]s. The DDG(X) will include [[directed energy weapon]]s and potentially hypersonic weapons.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2023/1/11/navy-moves-out-on-ddgx-requirements | title=Navy Moves Out on DDG(X) Requirements }}</ref>

The [[Constellation-class frigate|''Constellation''-class frigate]]s will be the first frigates in the U.S. Navy since the [[Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate|''Oliver Hazard Perry''-class frigate]]s were retired. The ''Constellation''-class frigates are based on the Italian [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]]s and will replace the [[littoral combat ship]]s.<ref name="auto19">{{cite web | url=https://news.usni.org/2022/12/26/top-stories-2022-u-s-navy-acquisition | title=Top Stories 2022: U.S. Navy Acquisition | date=26 December 2022 }}</ref>

[[File:Artist rendering of a Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, 2019 (190306-N-N0101-125).jpg|thumb|Rendering of a [[Columbia-class submarine|''Columbia''-class]] ballistic missile submarine]]
The Navy is starting development on the [[SSN(X)]] attack submarines, intended to replace the [[Virginia-class submarine|''Virginia''-class]] and [[Seawolf-class submarine|''Seawolf''-class submarine]]s. The [[Columbia-class submarine|''Columbia''-class submarine]]s will begin replacing the [[Ohio-class submarine|''Ohio''-class]] ballistic missile submarines. The acquisition of the ''Columbia''-class submarines is the first priority of the Navy.<ref name="auto13">{{cite web | url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3052900/keel-laying-ceremony-held-for-first-columbia-class-ballistic-missile-submarine/ | title=Keel Laying Ceremony Held for First Columbia-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine }}</ref><ref name="auto19"/>

With Naval Aviation, the service is continuing to procure additional [[Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier|''Gerald R. Ford''-class aircraft carrier]]s and [[F-35C Lightning II]] stealth fighters. Ultimately, the [[F/A-XX program]] is intended to produce a [[sixth-generation fighter]] to replace the legacy [[F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]]s as part of the Carrier Air Wing and is using the [[Future Vertical Lift]] program to replace its fleet of [[SH-60 Seahawk]] helicopters.<ref name="auto13"/><ref name="auto19"/>

The service is also investing heavily in unmanned platforms, such as [[unmanned surface vehicle]]s, using the [[Ghost Fleet Overlord]] to test the concept. It is also fielding [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s, such as the land-based [[MQ-4C Triton]] for maritime patrol and the carrier-based [[MQ-25A Stingray]] for [[aerial refueling]], replacing the F/A-18F in the role.<ref name="auto19"/>

===Air Force modernization===
[[File:B-21 Plant 42 night.jpg|thumb|[[B-21 Raider]] at [[United States Air Force Plant 42]]]]
[[File:F-15EX Eagle II.jpg|thumb|[[Boeing F-15EX Eagle II|F-15EX Eagle II]] from the [[40th Flight Test Squadron]]]]

The [[B-21 Raider]] stealth bomber is the first new Air Force bomber since the [[B-2A Spirit]]. The B-21 will replace the B-2 and the [[B-1B Lancer]], flying alongside the [[B-52 Stratofortress]].<ref name="auto10">{{cite web | url=https://aviationweek.com/shows-events/afa-air-space-cyber-conference/us-air-forces-major-modernization-programs | title=The U.S. Air Force's Major Modernization Programs &#124; Aviation Week Network }}</ref> The development of the B-21 Raider was led by the [[Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office]]. The service is also developing the [[LGM-35 Sentinel]] intercontinental ballistic missile to replace the [[LGM-30G Minuteman III]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/01/10/building-a-better-bomber-how-the-stealthy-b-21-subverted-bureaucracy/ | title=The B-21 stealth bomber's first mission: Evading Pentagon red tape | date=10 January 2023 }}</ref>

The U.S. Air Force is also in the process of developing the [[Next Generation Air Dominance]] program, which will produce a [[sixth generation fighter]] to replace the [[F-22 Raptor]]. The service is also procuring the [[fourth generation fighter|fourth generation]] [[Boeing F-15EX Eagle II|F-15EX Eagle II]] to replace the aging [[F-15C Eagle]] and [[F-15E Strike Eagle]]. It is procuring the [[T-7A Red Hawk]] trainer jet to replace the 1950s-era [[T-38 Talon]].<ref name="auto10"/>

While not an aircraft, the Air Force is investing in developing the [[AIM-260 JATM|AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile]] to replace or supplement the [[AIM-120 AMRAAM]] for its fighter forces. It is also procuring the [[AGM-181 LRSO|AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off Weapon]] to replace the [[AGM-86 ALCM]] as a nuclear air-launched cruise missile for the B-21 Raider and the B-52 Stratofortress. The air service is investing in hypersonic weapons, with the [[AGM-183 ARRW|AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon]], the [[Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept]], and the [[Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile]] in development.<ref name="auto10"/>

===Space Force modernization===
{{main|Space Warfighting Analysis Center}}
[[File:Rocketcargo image.jpg|thumb|Concept for a Space Force [[Rocket Cargo]] program conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations]]
The U.S. Space Force is undergoing intensive modernization efforts. The [[Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability]] (DARC) is intended to track objects in [[geosynchronous orbit]] with three sites, one in the United States, one in the Indo-Pacific, and one in Europe.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/space-force-says-darc-software-on-track-following-gao-concerns/ | title=Space Force says DARC software on track, following GAO concerns | date=16 June 2022 }}</ref>

[[File:Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway with approaching Orion spacecraft.jpg|thumb|[[NASA]]'s return to the Moon through the [[Artemis program]] is leading to a greater emphasis on cislunar domain awareness]]
Oracle, a spacecraft developed by the [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] for the Space Force, will demonstrate technologies that the space service needs for cislunar domain awareness – tracking objects outside of geosynchronous orbit and between Earth and the Moon. The spacecraft itself will launch to an area of gravitational stability between the Earth and the Moon to conduct operations, using a wide-field sensor and a more sensitive narrow-field sensor to discover and maintain custody of objects operating in this region. Oracle will directly support [[NASA]]'s [[Artemis program]] as it returns to the Moon and track potentially hazardous near-Earth objects in support of [[planetary defense]] operations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/oracle/ | title=ORACLE – Air Force Research Laboratory }}</ref>

Also an Air Force Research Laboratory program for the Space Force, Arachne is the keystone experiment in the [[Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research Project]], which aims to prove and mature essential technologies for a prototype [[space-based solar power]] transmission system capable of powering a [[forward operating base]]. Arachne will specifically demonstrate and mature technologies related to more efficient energy generation, radio frequency forming, and radio frequency beaming. Current forward operation bases rely on significant logistics convoys to transport fuel for power – space-based solar power would move these supply lines to space, where they cannot be easily attacked. Space Force provided space-based solar power may transition to civilian use in the same vein as GPS.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/arachne/ | title=ARACHNE – Air Force Research Laboratory }}</ref> Other space-based power beaming demonstrations include the Space Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime (SPIRRAL) and Space Power INcremental DepLoyable Experiment (SPINDLE) experiments.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-power-beaming/ | title=SPACE POWER BEAMING – Air Force Research Laboratory }}</ref>

[[File:Solar power satellite sandwich or abascus concept.jpg|thumb|Concept for a [[space-based solar power]] spacecraft]]
The Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3), building on the Space Force's [[Global Positioning System]] constellation, is an Air Force Research Laboratory spacecraft that will operate in geosynchronous orbit to test advanced techniques and technologies to detect and mitigate interference to positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities and increase system resiliency for military, civil, and commercial users. NTS-3 is a Vanguard program, described as aiming to deliver potentially game changing capabilities.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-vehicles/successstories/nts-3 | title=NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY SATELLITE – 3 (NTS-3) – Air Force Research Laboratory | access-date=5 March 2023 | archive-date=5 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305041227/https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-vehicles/successstories/nts-3 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Space Force's [[Rocket Cargo]] program is another Air Force Research Laboratory Vanguard program, focused on leasing space launch services to quickly transport military materiel to ports across the globe. If proven viable, the Space Force's [[Space Systems Command]] will be responsible for transitioning it to a program of record. [[United States Transportation Command]] would be the primary user of this capability, rapidly launching up to 100 tons of cargo anywhere in the world.<ref name="auto11"/>