WASHINGTON -- Reportedly, the Pentagon requested permission from the U.S. Congress to reroute about $1.5 billion in funds from fiscal 2026 and 2025 to fund a "high-priority" AI initiative, as well as keep a new Army helicopter program sustained and shift funds related to programs affected by Iran operations.
The reprogramming document sent to Congress in July reportedly seeks to realign $1.2 billion in FY26 funds and $212 million in FY25 funds.
The most expensive line item is a request to shift $600 million in FY26 funds to "immediately" build and equip a top secret, high-performance AI compute center. The funds would cover the costs of procuring advanced computing infrastructure, hardware and integration services, and to scale AI and machine learning across the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS).
The document reportedly states: "Designated as a Secretary of War high-priority initiative, this is an emergent, must-pay requirement necessary to maintain technological overmatch and decision superiority."
