Most people probably don’t think of Utah when they think about national defense. But they should. Utah plays a central role in America’s national defense. Thousands serve in uniform, and tens of thousands more build the technologies our military needs. These are real people and families across Utah who rely on a strong defense sector. By approving the President’s FY2027 defense budget, Congress will strengthen our military and support communities like Utah.
The $1.5 trillion proposal includes pay raises for our troops, the replenishment of critical munitions, and support for hundreds of other defense programs. Some people hear $1.5 trillion and are immediately turned off. I get that. It’s a massive number. But ignoring the threats we face won’t make them any cheaper.
Across Utah, defense investments support thousands of jobs and play a major role in our state’s economy. One of the best examples is Northrop Grumman; through its programs and supply chain, it supports more than 46,000 jobs in Utah. These efforts generate roughly $12.7 billion in economic activity for the state. And that’s just one company. Hundreds of other Utah businesses, large and small, contribute to the defense work that keeps our military ready.
The world isn’t standing still. China and Russia are updating their militaries and investing heavily in their defense technologies. If the United States wants to maintain its edge, it has to keep up.
The U.S. has relied on a three-part nuclear deterrent built on land, sea, and air to prevent large-scale conflict. That system has worked. But one leg of that triad, our land-based missiles, is showing its age. The Minuteman III is still reliable, but it was designed decades ago. Meanwhile, Russia has already modernized its land-based missile force. The reality is that the Minuteman III won’t last forever. Sentinel is the next step.
Sentinel will replace an aging system that has served the country for decades and help prepare our military for the future. Utah is at the center of that effort. More than 14,000 jobs across the state are tied to Sentinel, and Northrop Grumman plans to build the first two stages of the missile here in Utah. Suppliers statewide are also supporting the project. For many Utah families, this isn’t an abstract defense program coming out of Washington. It’s work happening in their own communities.
Sentinel isn’t the only major defense program with a Utah footprint. The Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, a radar aircraft that operates from Navy aircraft carriers, detects and tracks threats like drones and incoming missiles. The aircraft has served the Navy for decades and is still a key part of military operations today. Utah supports more than 2,700 jobs linked to the program, generating nearly $1 billion in economic activity for the state.
This work is very personal to me. I spent years at Hill Air Force Base, supporting critical infrastructure projects and working alongside the men and women who keep our military prepared. From helping reduce energy consumption across thousands of buildings to working with units ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, I’ve personally seen the dedication, skill, and sacrifice of our service members and defense workforce. That experience left a lasting impression on me and confirmed the importance of continuing to invest in the people and systems that protect our country.
At the end of the day, this budget is about being prepared. It invests in our troops and the programs they rely on, while supporting the people and businesses that make that work possible. For many Utah families, it’s about safety, stability and good-paying jobs.
Congress should pass this budget without delay. I’ve seen the talent and devotion of Utah’s defense workforce. They’re ready to do their part. Congress should do the same.