WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The Pentagon will propose a $1-billion increase in budget of the Air Force over the next five years to boost advanced training of pilots, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said.
“We're adding $1 billion more for training of this kind [air force exercises] over the next five years in the Air Force budget,” Carter said on Thursday, as quoted in a press statement.
According to Carter, the extra funding would pay for at least 34 major air combat exercises at the Nellis Air Force Base and other ranges. The Air Force will also invest in improving the infrastructure and resources at the ranges, and in hiring more mechanics.
On Tuesday, Carter announced that the Pentagon would request $7.5 billion to fight the growing threat of the Islamic State, the jihadist group outlawed in many countries, including the United States and Russia.
The Pentagon is expected to release its full 2017 budget request early next week.
