Hegseth explained that the proposal aims to end “four years of chronic underinvestment in our military.” He said it includes historic levels of funding to improve military readiness and support service members.
“This budget provides a historic level of funding for military readiness — putting our warfighters and their needs first — and young Americans are responding and signing up in droves,” Hegseth stated. He linked the request to addressing the challenge posed by China’s military growth, calling it “unprecedented.”
Part of the budget is focused on strengthening the U.S. defence industrial base and delivering advanced technologies more quickly. “This budget invests $25 billion in Golden Dome for America, a down payment on President Trump’s priority to defend our homeland,” he added.
Nuclear deterrence is also a key area, with full funding for the nuclear triad, which includes submarines, bombers and ground-based missiles. “The nuclear triad is the silent foundation of our entire deterrent effect,” said Hegseth.
He confirmed the budget supports new Columbia-class submarines, the B-21 Raider bomber and the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent programme. These are intended to modernise the U.S. nuclear force and maintain a strong defence posture.
In air and sea power, the budget includes $3.5 billion for the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, the first of its kind. It also provides $47 billion for shipbuilding, including 19 new ships and more than $6 billion for shipyard improvements.
Hegseth said the interim National Defence Strategy helped shape the budget’s priorities. He noted it focuses on homeland defence, countering threats in the Indo-Pacific, and building strong alliances.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense.
