Items Less Than $5,000,000

The Items Less Than $5,000,000 line item in the Air Force's FY 2026 budget supports the procurement of a diverse range of munitions and training assets, each with an annual procurement value below $5 million. The program is designed to ensure that the Air Force maintains sufficient quantities of specialized ammunition and related items to support airbase ground defense, air rescue operations, and aircrew/ground training requirements. This line item is critical for sustaining the War Reserve Materiel (WRM) munitions stockpiles and providing annual allocations for test and training purposes across Active, Guard, and Reserve components.

Procurement includes lightweight, portable anti-armor weapons suitable for use in confined spaces. These assets are essential for airbase defense and contingency operations, enabling personnel to respond effectively to threats in urban or enclosed environments. Funding supports both operational readiness and training needs.

Anti-tank munitions designed for use in close combat situations are also acquired to enhance the Air Force's capability to counter armored threats during ground defense operations. This ensures that both training and operational stocks remain at required levels.

Several smoke grenade types are included to support signaling, screening, and marking operations. These grenades are vital for aircrew signaling during rescue missions, marking landing zones, and providing concealment or visual cues during exercises. Procurement quantities for these items reflect their frequent use in both training and operational contexts.

Flash bang grenades are funded as a new start in FY 2026. These are used for non-lethal diversion and disorientation in both training and operational scenarios, supporting security forces and special operations. Their inclusion addresses evolving requirements for less-than-lethal options in base defense and emergency response missions.

Other training-focused items, such as practice fuzes and simulators, are procured in significant quantities to support realistic training for Air Force personnel. These simulators and practice fuzes enable safe, cost-effective training that closely replicates the handling and deployment of live munitions.

Funding is also provided for specialized assets used to train personnel in the handling and security of nuclear weapons. These trainers are critical for maintaining proficiency and compliance with nuclear surety requirements. The Items Less Than $5,000,000 line item provides the Air Force with flexibility to address emerging requirements, mitigate risks associated with diminishing manufacturing sources, and ensure readiness for a wide range of defense, homeland security, and emergency response missions.