FY21 Defense Budget Breakdown: What to Know
The fiscal 2021 budget request is basically flat – no increase from fiscal 2020 – but the mix is changing, reflecting tough choices in the Pentagon not only this year but in the years ahead. Highlights include:
- $289 billion for Operation and Maintenance programs – base operations, equipment maintenance, professional services contractors – no change from fiscal 2020
- More money for research, development, test and evaluation – $106.6 billion, a 2% increase with key long-term investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and autonomy
- $136.9 billion for procurement – ships, planes, trucks, radios – 5% decrease from fiscal 2020
- Congressional reactions to the budget – what changes are likely to be met with resistance
Speakers

Cameron Leuthy
Senior Budget Analyst
Bloomberg Government

Robert Levinson
Senior Defense Analyst
Bloomberg Government

Dan Snyder
Director, Government Contracts Analysis
Bloomberg Government

Roxana Tiron
Senior Reporter
Bloomberg Government