The US Senate Armed Services Committee approved on Friday, with a single vote against, the national defense bill for fiscal year 2026, which provides a budget of $925 billion and extends military support to Ukraine until 2028, according to Reuters.

The bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, increases funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative from $300 million to $500 million annually in an effort to bolster Kiev's defense capabilities in the face of a Russian invasion in 2022.

The US decision comes in parallel with the commitment of European Union states, which already provide up to 84% of Ukraine's external financing needs in 2025, and have agreed to similar financial and military support until 2028.

"This funding reflects the US's firm commitment to Ukraine's security and regional stability," the approved project states, referring to the security of NATO's eastern flank and preventing the conflict from spreading to Ukraine's neighboring countries, such as Poland, Romania, or the Baltic states.

Senate rejects Trump's plan to retire A-10 aircraft

The defense bill also includes a rejection of President Donald Trump's request in his budget proposal in June to retire the A-10 fleet. The committee ruled that the number of A-10s cannot fall below 103 in fiscal year 2026, ensuring the close air support aircraft will continue to operate.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, known as the"Warthog" for its resemblance to the African wild boar, is an American aircraft in service since 1977, specializing in low-altitude air support. It is unique for its 30 mm cannon, capable of piercing heavy armor, and for its exceptional resistance to damage in combat.

Investments in AI, autonomous technology and hypersonic weapons

Of the total $925 billion, $878.7 billion goes to the Department of Defense and $35.2 billion to the Department of Energy, which is also responsible for the nuclear arsenal. The bill also provides general transfer authority of up to $6 billion for unforeseen but priority needs.

In addition to support for Ukraine, the legislation addresses global threats posed by China, Iran, and North Korea, emphasizing the need to modernize the US military through investments in artificial intelligence, autonomous technology, and hypersonic weapons.

The draft is to be debated and voted on in the Senate plenary, and subsequently harmonized with the version adopted by the House of Representatives, which supports support for Ukraine at the level of 2025. The differences between the two versions will be negotiated in a reconciliation committee, a process that will result in the final form of the law.