United States President Donald Trump has requested a massive $1.5 trillion for the defence budget for fiscal year 2027, which includes a significant portion for the Pentagon's 'presidential priorities'.
The budget request comes after Trump's previous request of $892.6 billion in 2026, which was later increased to $1 trillion with a supplementary request.
The defence budget includes over $65 billion for the 'Golden Fleet' initiative, which involves procuring 18 warships and 16 support ships, as well as plans to ramp up aerial defence by procuring 85 Lockheed Martin F-35 aircraft a year.
The Trump administration has also prioritised next-generation systems such as the Boeing Co F-47 fighter jet, with a requested budget of $6.1 billion for the B-21 bomber manufactured by Northrop Grumman.
The budget also includes the largest ever investment to enhance drone warfare and counter-drone technology, with a whopping $53.6 billion requested for autonomous drone platforms and warzone logistics.
Additionally, the budget calls for multi-year procurement contracts for additional munition programs, a pay raise for personnel, and costs for boosting the troops by 44,000 new members in the upcoming year.
Notably, the budget request does not include any funding for the ongoing conflict with Iran, which is currently under a ceasefire agreement.
