The US defense budget, totaling $1.5 trillion, indicates a shift in focus towards drones and future air combat systems, including the next generation air dominance (NGAD) program. The budget allocates funds for significant aircraft purchases, with the air force planning to spend $73 billion on new aircraft. Meanwhile, the navy's MQ-25 tanker drone has successfully flown, but its deployment is now expected to be delayed until 2029.