The Defense Department has requested $13.3 billion for intelligence programs in the Fiscal 2015 base budget. That’s a significant drop from the $14.6 billion requested in DOD’s Fiscal 2014 base request. While DOD “determined that releasing this figure does not jeopardize any classified activities,” other budget figures and program details remain classified, according to a March 6 release. DOD will release its Fiscal 2015 overseas contingency operations funding request for military intelligence programs at a later date, states the release.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.