SPACECOM’s FY27 spending boost wish list? Empty.
WASHINGTON — US Space Command (SPACECOM) will not ask for additional funds in fiscal 2027, citing the massive investment in space capabilities planned under the Trump administration’s $1.5 trillion defense budget request.
“U.S. Space Command is not submitting an Unfunded Priority List for FY27 as our highest priority requirements are addressed within the President’s Budget request,” a SPACECOM spokesperson told Breaking Defense today.
“The generational investment in space capabilities in the FY27 request is the result of extensive collaboration with the Department of War and the services and will provide USSPACECOM with the war-winning capability required to assure U.S. interests in space,” they added.
Each year after the administration submits its annual budget request to Congress, combatant commanders and service chiefs are required under Section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act to submit an unfunded priority list to Congress.
Last year, for example, SPACECOM asked for $2.5 billion in mostly classified programs; while the Space Force’s wish list was set at $5.98 billion to cover secretive MILNET satellite communications constellation, ground systems for the Global Positioning System (GPS) and a trio of classified programs.
SPACECOM’s decision to submit an empty FY27 Unfunded Priorities List follows a similar move by US Indo-Pacific Command (PACOM). PACOM chief Adm. Samuel Paparo told the House Armed Services Committee on April 22 that his list was empty “given the budget submission.”
U.S. Space Command announced it will not request additional funds for Fiscal Year 2027, stating that its priority needs are covered by the President's Budget request. This decision reflects a significant investment in space capabilities planned under the previous administration's defense budget. The announcement was made in Washington and follows a similar decision by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command regarding their budget submissions.
- U.S. Space Command will not submit an Unfunded Priority List for FY27.
- The decision is based on the existing budget request from the Trump administration.
- SPACECOM's highest priority requirements are addressed within the President's Budget request.
- Last year, SPACECOM requested $2.5 billion for classified programs.
- This decision mirrors a similar action by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.