The US military spent $18.6 billion on its unclassified and classified intelligence activities in Fiscal 2013, announced the Defense Department on Thursday. Congress originally appropriated $19.2 billion for these activities, known collectively as the Military Intelligence Program, but that amount shrank to $18.6 billion after the budget sequester took effect in March, according to the Oct. 31 release. Releasing this topline figure does not jeopardize any classified intelligence activities, states the release. However, DOD said it would not release any additional MIP budget figures or program details since they remain classified for national security reasons. The Pentagon has also requested $18.6 billion to fund its intelligence activities in Fiscal 2014. In Fiscal 2012, DOD spent $21.5 billion on the MIP.
In a nighttime ceremony contrived to continue concealment of many of its features, the new B-21 bomber rolled out of Northrop Grumman's Palmdale, Calif. plant Dec. 2. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the aircraft's advanced technology represents "deterrence, the American way."