Pentagon has proposed a record-breaking $1.5 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2027, a 42% increase from the previous year and a new high for US military spending in modern history.
Officials say the proposal reflects growing global threats and the need to strengthen the country’s defense systems. The plan focuses heavily on new technology, advanced weapons, and rebuilding the defense industry.
At a Pentagon briefing, Under Secretary of War and Chief Financial Officer Jules J. Hurst III described the current situation as highly dangerous.
He said the country is facing one of the most complex security challenges in its 250-year history. He explained that rival nations are improving their capabilities across all areas of warfare, including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.
Hurst said the US must act quickly to stay ahead. He pointed to years of underinvestment that have weakened the defense industrial base. He called the proposed budget a generational investment aimed at rebuilding strength and readiness.
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A major part of the plan centers on a project known as the ‘Golden Dome.’ This system is designed to protect the US homeland using multiple layers of defense. It is expected to include advanced detection systems and response technologies to stop threats before they reach American soil.
The proposal also highlights a strong push toward drone warfare and artificial intelligence. Officials want to spend $53.6 billion on autonomous drone systems and logistics support. Another $21 billion is set aside for munitions, counter-drone tools, and advanced programs such as collaborative combat aircraft and aerial refueling drones.
Artificial intelligence and data systems are also key priorities. The Pentagon plans to invest heavily in digital infrastructure to support faster decision-making and smarter operations on the battlefield.
Each branch of the military is expected to see significant funding increases. The Air Force would receive a 33.6% boost, the Navy 24.3%, and the Army 23.9%. The plan also includes pay raises for service members, ranging from 5% to 7%, depending on rank.
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The Navy’s expansion is another major feature of the proposal. The administration wants to build what it calls a ‘Golden Fleet.’ This would include a new class of battleships and more ships overall. More than $65 billion is allocated to build 18 warships and 16 support vessels. Officials say this is the largest shipbuilding request since 1962.
In addition to ships and drones, the Pentagon plans to invest $64.5 billion in next-generation weapons. These include advanced missiles, armored vehicles, and helicopters. Systems such as missile interceptors and precision-strike weapons are part of this package.
However, officials noted that the budget was prepared before the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28. This means the current proposal does not fully account for the costs related to that campaign. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested that an additional $200 billion may be needed later to support ongoing operations and replenish military supplies.
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The budget proposal is expected to face strong debate in Congress. Critics argue that such a large increase in military spending comes at the cost of other important programs.
Earlier this month, a coalition of 289 groups sent a letter to lawmakers urging them to reject the plan. The groups called the proposal irresponsible. They argued that spending over $1 trillion on defense while cutting support for housing, healthcare, education, and climate programs could harm long-term national security.
They said true security comes from investing in people and communities, not just military power.
Despite the criticism, President Donald Trump has defended the budget. Speaking at a private Easter event, he said, “We’re engaged in wars,” he said, according to a video later posted and then removed by the White House. “We can’t handle things like daycare, Medicaid, and Medicare at the federal level. Those should be managed by the states. The federal government has to focus on one main job: protecting the country and maintaining military strength.”
