The U.S. Army is set to request more adaptable funding for unmanned aircraft systems, countermeasures, and electronic warfare tools in its upcoming budget, drawing insights from Ukraine’s experience in its conflict with Russia, as stated by Secretary Christine Wormuth.

“There are specific areas where [Gen. Randy George], the Army’s chief of staff, and I believe we must enhance our investment, not only for the Army’s needs but also for the joint force, particularly in unmanned aerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial systems, and electronic warfare,” she remarked during the Defense News Conference on Wednesday.

For example, a battalion commander from Ukraine informed Wormuth earlier this year during training in Germany that Russian electronic warfare capabilities were escalating in “concerning” ways, she noted. “You will see this reflected in the budget presented to Congress next spring,” Wormuth indicated. “We need greater flexibility in our funding strategies because the technology in these areas is evolving so quickly that we cannot afford to be restricted to a single approach for the next decade.”

Both Wormuth and George have explored alternative budgeting methods to expedite the delivery of capabilities to soldiers. One option includes requesting Congress to allocate funds specifically for certain capabilities instead of distributing budgets across multiple line items tied to specific products or programs.

However, they also recognize that gaining the support of congressional appropriators may prove challenging.

“Historically, they tend to be quite skeptical of what they perceive as slush funds. They have considerable apprehension regarding [overseas contingency operations] and how the department has utilized those funds over the years,” Wormuth explained. Nonetheless, “there is a profound understanding.