Overview
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 contains a specific budget allocation of $44,267,000 for "Cognitive Electromagnetic Warfare" under the US Air Force.
Key Details
- Program name: Cognitive Electromagnetic Warfare
- Budget line item: Line 106
- Amount: $44.2 million
- Service branch: US Air Force
- Legislative requirement: Secretary of Defense must submit binding definition to Congress by March 31, 2026
Significance
This represents the first official budget recognition of cognitive warfare as a distinct military capability, institutionalizing what has been denied or marginalized for decades.