The request forms part of a broader $1.5 trillion national defense budget submitted to Congress. It is intended to support modernization, readiness and the Golden Fleet Initiative.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan said: “This is a strategy-driven budget.” He added: “It’s not about business as usual – it’s about making generational investments in real, usable capability for our warfighters.”
The budget priorities include strengthening shipbuilding, supporting the maritime industrial base and investing in personnel. It is also guided by operational strategies from naval and Marine Corps leadership.
Rear Adm. Ben Reynolds said: “This is the money that builds the future fleet.” He added: “It funds the acquisition of 34 new ships and 123 new aircraft, directly translating dollars into the steel and systems that will guarantee our maritime dominance for decades to come.”
The Navy is requesting $65.8 billion in shipbuilding funds to acquire 34 vessels. These include submarines, destroyers, amphibious ships and support vessels, as well as continued funding for Ford-class aircraft carriers and development of a new large surface combatant.
The proposal also includes $34.4 billion for aircraft procurement. This funding supports the purchase of 123 aircraft, including F-35 fighters, P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and other platforms.
Weapons procurement totals $22.6 billion, covering systems such as Standard Missiles, Tactical Tomahawk Missiles and Patriot PAC-3 interceptors. Additional funding of $6.3 billion is allocated to Marine Corps ground systems, including missile launchers and air defense capabilities.
Gen. Eric Smith said: “This budget significantly enhances our ability to be a globally responsive, resilient, and lethal naval expeditionary force in readiness.” He added: “Together, these investments ensure we are ready to fight today and modernizing to meet the demands of the future fight.”
The budget includes $150 billion for operations and maintenance to improve readiness and training. It also allocates $36.2 billion for research and development to support modernization across the force.
Adm. Daryl Caudle said: “The FY27 budget request is a definitive order to shift our Navy from a peacetime posture to a warfighting footing.” He added: “We are not just observing the security environment; we are actively shaping it with credible tailored forces to ensure peace through strength.”
The proposal also includes $70.1 billion for military personnel and $2.5 billion to improve quality of life for service members. These measures aim to support housing, food services and family programmes for sailors and Marines.
Source: U.S. Navy (press release).
