RDT&E was the FY26 NDAA's biggest winner. By raising spending caps for next-generation technologies, Congress is laying the groundwork for resourcing the Pentagon’s modernization and rapid prototyping efforts in the new year.
The new “Scaled Hypersonics” critical technology area marks a shift from exquisite, low-volume hypersonic prototypes to weapons that can be built and fielded in quantity.
Key insights on what’s up, what’s down, and where the Pentagon is headed in the FY26 defense budget, highlighting the role of reconciliation funding.
