Five U.S. Military Commands Highlight Critical Funding Gaps in Unofficial Wish Lists
In a demonstration of strategic importance and evolving threats, five U.S. combatant commands have submitted a combined request of $13.15 billion in unfunded priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, according to documents obtained by Breaking Defense. These requests, often described as “wish lists,” reflect the funding needs that commanders believe are vital but not included in the Pentagon’s official budget proposal.
Legal Mandate: Commands’ Annual “Wish Lists” to Congress
Under U.S. law, leaders of the U.S. Central, Northern, Southern, Indo-Pacific, and Strategic Commands are obliged to submit their prioritized unfunded needs following the Pentagon’s budget submission. These lists pinpoint the capabilities and projects they deem essential for national security but have not received funding in the regular budget cycle.
Indo-Pacific Command’s Heavy Hitter: Nearly $12 Billion Demand
Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo Leads the Largest Funding Request
The largest request stems from INDOPACOM, which seeks nearly $12 billion—an increase of close to $1 billion over the previous year’s request. The bulk of this funding—$4.4 billion—is earmarked for all-domain unmanned systems, with an additional $2.9 billion allocated for advanced command, control, communications, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (C3ISR), and targeting systems.
This heightened request underscores the U.S. military’s focus on deterrence and the proliferation of unmanned systems in the Indo-Pacific region. The effort is part of the broader Replicator initiative, aiming to deploy thousands of attritable drones across multiple domains to counter emerging threats.
Key Priorities Include:
- Military Construction: $1.2 billion for infrastructure projects, including unspecified minor military construction.
- Penetrating Platforms: $989 million dedicated to advanced ISR software solutions that improve the ability to find, fix, track, and target potential threats through non-traditional means.
Central Command Amid Middle East Tensions: Over $732 Million Requested
Addressing Urgent Needs in a Volatile Region
Amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, CENTCOM’s unfunded list seeks approximately $732 million. The majority of this—over $215 million—is allocated for the F-16 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS). The request covers procurement, research, development, testing, and maintenance, with plans to modernize 188 F-16 fighters by replacing legacy electronic warfare systems.
Priority areas include:
- Electronic Warfare Upgrades: Modernizing F-16s to better execute counterair missions.
- Denial and Deception Capabilities: Nearly $180 million for camouflage, concealment, and decoys.
- Cyber Warfare: About $119 million for enhancing cyber resilience, including zero-trust frameworks and cloud computing.
Strategic Command Focuses on Classified and Legacy Systems
Seeking Over $322 Million for Critical and Classified Projects
STRATCOM’s request totals around $322.5 million, with a significant portion—$140 million—earmarked for a classified „Convertible Nuclear System Prototype.” Other priorities include:
- E-6B Aircraft Modernization: $82.1 million for sustainment and upgrades to support communication and missile launch capabilities.
- Minuteman III Testing: $37.1 million to maintain ICBM flight test capabilities.
- Naval Communications: $33.3 million for airborne submarine communication demonstration systems.
- Electromagnetic Battle Management: $30 million to develop situational awareness tools for electromagnetic spectrum operations.
Northern Command’s Focus on Homeland Security and AI Innovation
Seeking $35 Million for Border Tech and AI Testing
USNORTHCOM’s unfunded list requests $35 million, split into two areas:
- Southern Border Infrastructure: $21.5 million toward modeling, surveillance, and communication systems to enhance border security.
- AI Initiatives: $13.5 million to accelerate AI experimentation, including deploying secure AI platforms and conducting operational sprints for decision-making and planning.
These investments are designed to modernize homeland defense capabilities, leveraging AI to improve situational awareness and operational agility.
Southern Command’s Focus on Maritime Security and Partner Engagement
Request for $60 Million to Support Inter-Agency and Partner Operations
SOUTHCOM’s wish list includes a $35 million “Ship Special Mission” line item aimed at fostering security cooperation with partner nations in the Caribbean and beyond. The focus is on intercepting illicit trafficking and enhancing maritime domain awareness.
Additional priorities include:
- Ecuador and Trinidad & Tobago: Investments in information sharing and maritime security cooperation.
- Overall Goals: Strengthening regional partnerships and countering transnational criminal activities with targeted maritime operations and technology.
Summary
These unfunded requests reveal a proactive approach by U.S. combatant commands
