Could Space Force Budget Cuts Impact US Space Capabilities?

Budget cuts are running rampant across the US government, and the US’ Space Force appears to be next in line to face the crosshairs. Yet, in spite of this, Chief of Space Operations, General Chance Sultzman believes the Air Force’s space arm remains aligned with Trump’s administrative goals. Plans are currently underway to reduce the amount of inefficiencies within Space Force.

In an interview with Defence One, General Sultzman said: “what we’re trying to do is become more efficient. If you reduce the number of people available to do the activities that are required, then you only have two choices: you stop doing the activities, you delay the activities… or you become more efficient. So we’re going to try and do both.”

How Drastically Will Space Force Be Impacted Under Budget Cuts?

Sutzman has expressed that Space Force is in a decent spot to handle the efficiency probe currently permeating the US government. NASA is also in the midst of a DOGE inquest, as they look to make the US’ space agency more financially efficient. And, much like NASA, it appears that Space Force is not immune. 

In a press release, Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, commented on the efficiency noise, saying: “I think we spend a lot of time — understandably and correctly so — talking about efficiencies, talking about [the Department of Government Efficiency], talking about audits [and] talking about reprioritizations, and we’re going to keep doing that because we need to be good stewards of the taxpayer dollars.” 

With Space Force being tasked with key warfighting strategies, questions are encompassing their ability to fulfil these activities without the appropriate funding. One such activity includes the US’ equivalent of Israel’s missile defence system: ‘Iron Dome’. The US version will be labelled the ‘Golden Dome’, which is expected to cost billions. But will this be achieved in tandem with Trump’s funding pullback?

How Does Space Force Compare To Its Space Cousin, NASA

Over recent years, especially in 2025, Space Force took a rather small portion of the general Air Force budget. Out of the $217.5 billion provided, Space Force was allocated $29.4 billion. However, this is set to change under the Trump Administration as federal agencies look to reduce their financial output. Space Force is one of them.  

While $29.4 billion seems like a large amount, it’s miniscule in comparison to other defence departments. Yet, it’s still similar to NASA’s fiscal budget. In 2024, NASA received $24.9 billion, which is expected to rise to $25.4 billion in 2025. 

Nonetheless, despite Space Force remaining a rather small body in the DoD, they’re still identifying ways to trim the fat. General Sutzman said: “We’re going to drop lower priority activities”, signaling a reduction in space-related missions. And when reading deeper between the lines, they could be considering possible personal cuts. 

Space Force’s Priorities Going Forward

The DoD reports that Space Force will operate under “six categories of counter-space weapons”. This armoury includes further developments in three ground-oriented and three space-based weapons. 

To get more granular, Sultzman said this will include “jammers, directed energy and kinetic capabilities, like missiles.” All of these efforts are designed to improve the US’ space-based warfighting abilities. Another vertical of Space Force’s strategy is the roll out of AI throughout its operations.

Sultzman also outlined that another priority for Space Force is their “significant role in making the Golden Dome a reality.” In his interview with Defence One, Sultzman says the biggest hurdle will be integration. Further plans for Space Force is to maintain alignment with President Trump’s priorities and continued improvement in warfighting and weaponry innovations from space.