Out of the Riga Summit, NATO heads of state have developed a laundry list of “initiatives to increase the capacity of [member] forces to address contemporary threats and challenges.” Included in the Riga Summit Declaration are commitments to increase the alliance’s strategic airlift capability, which they deemed “crucial” to rapid deployment and to address “identified persistent shortages.” They mentioned the recently concluded agreement to buy several C-17 airlifters. Other provisions include activating an Intelligence Fusion Center to improve intelligence sharing and signing the first major contract for a NATO Active Layered Theater Ballistic Missile Defense System.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
