Federal spending · FY2025
National Defense
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Fetching FY2025 File B line items, totals and analysis from the backend.
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Fetching FY2025 File B line items, totals and analysis from the backend.
Fetching FY2025 File B line items, totals and analysis from the backend.
The National Defense function encompasses the broad range of activities undertaken by the U.S. government to protect national security interests, deter aggression, and project power globally. This includes maintaining a robust military force, developing advanced weaponry and technologies, conducting intelligence operations, and engaging in diplomatic and security cooperation with allies. The public purpose is to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the nation and its citizens, preserve international stability, and advance U.S. foreign policy objectives. Success is defined by the nation's ability to deter adversaries, respond effectively to threats, maintain technological superiority, and support global security. Key agencies include the Department of Defense and elements of the intelligence community. Major program streams involve personnel, operations and maintenance, procurement, research and development, and strategic forces.
The problem
Contract bonuses did not deliver equipment ready for use. GAO found that the share of time F-35 aircraft could perform at least one assigned mission fell from 67% in FY2021 to 44% in FY2025, while maintenance and support costs rose. Contractors could earn bonuses for results below what military services needed. The problem was paying bonuses against the wrong target. Scope: F-35 sustainment contracts, not every defense program. Critical is ImpactLine’s priority for this documented deterioration and incentive failure.
The solution
Pay equipment suppliers in stages after independent tests show it works. Tie maintenance bonuses to equipment being ready when needed and spare parts being available. Test smaller prototypes before committing to a full purchase. How this helps: The military gets usable equipment and taxpayers pay for working results. Protect people: Keep essential services safe and accessible. Test changes before expanding them, and reverse changes that harm access or shift costs to residents. Measure success: equipment ready for use, test results, spare-parts delays and total lifetime cost.
Supports military personnel, readiness, equipment, research and related defense activities. Its accounts distinguish operating services from acquisition and sustainment.
How to read it: Tap a row to open what's inside. Colours match the chart above, and each row's share is its part of the row it sits under.
| Where it went | Gross outlays | Share | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1.1T83.1% | 83.1% | ||
| $182.8B13.8% | 13.8% | ||
| $41.6B3.1% | 3.1% |
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