US Navy head says possible budget cuts imperil readiness gains
Recent funding increases have helped the US Navy begin to improve the readiness of its force, but continued progress will be jeopardised if a proposed defence budget cut becomes a reality, according to Navy Secretary Richard Spencer.
‘We have such great tailwind right now and we’ve laid the foundation and spent this money to get us going in the right direction,’ Spencer said on 6 December at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. ‘The bicycle is up, we are peddling, please don’t knock us over. The waste would be absolutely stunning.’
US defence funding jumped to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers
Contracts for new light and medium cutters are expected to be awarded in mid-2026.
-
First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026
Canadian Coast Guard Ship Arpatuuq construction is in the block manufacturing phase. Once built, it will be the largest vessel in the Coast Guard’s inventory.
-
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.