The draft United States federal budget for the 2024 fiscal year outlines a significant investment in national security, with a proposed allocation of 37.7 billion dollars to the Department of Defense. This funding is focused on modernizing the nuclear arsenal and reinforcing the broader deterrence framework that underpins safety for Americans and for allied nations. The plan emphasizes maintaining a credible and capable nuclear deterrent as a cornerstone of comprehensive national defense strategy.
Beyond the Department of Defense, the budget also designates 23.8 billion dollars to the Energy Department’s National Nuclear Security Administration. This funding supports the safe, secure, and efficient management of the nuclear arsenal, aims to minimize nuclear risks, and ensures the United States Navy retains robust nuclear capabilities as part of its maritime deterrence posture.
In related modernization efforts, a 285 million dollar contract with Boeing has been reached to manufacture the first 13 MH-139A Gray Wolf helicopters. These aircraft will supplement the helicopter fleet that currently protects the ground-based leg of the U.S. nuclear mission, replacing the aging Bell UH-1N Huey multipurpose helicopters that previously supported missile defense operations.