The Defense Department’s (DoD) technology chief has revealed that the Pentagon is seeking US$ 17.2 billion to support science and technology (S&T) initiatives such as trusted artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy, space, integrated sensing and cyber, integrated network systems of systems, renewable energy generation and storage, and microelectronics.

The majority of this budget will be earmarked for AI, space technology endeavors, and integrated sensing and cyber initiatives. In particular, the budget allocates US$4.9 billion towards trusted AI and autonomy, US$4.3 billion towards space endeavors, and US$1.9 billion towards integrated sensing and cyber initiatives.

The DoD intends to allocate funds to support 14 key technology domains in fiscal year 2025.

Additionally, the department aims to finance projects related to human-machine interface, advanced materials, directed energy, advanced computing and software, hypersonic technologies, biotechnology, quantum computing, and the development of 5G and future generation technologies.