WASHINGTON: Former President Donald Trump has unveiled his proposed US defence budget for fiscal 2026, advocating for a strategic shift that prioritizes advanced missiles and drones over traditional platforms like the F‑35 fighter jet.
Key Elements of the Proposal:
- Total Budget
The request stands at approximately $893 billion, covering the Pentagon, nuclear programmes, and homeland security. - Rebalance of Assets
Funding would focus on cutting the purchase of new F‑35s (requesting 47, down from 68 under the previous administration) and reducing Navy contracts for warships. - Missiles and Drones
Increased investment is earmarked for long‑range missiles—such as JASSM‑ER and LRASM—effective in strategic theatres including the Indo‑Pacific. Small drones will receive significant budget boosts, inspired by their utility in Ukraine. - Personnel and Careers
A 3.8 percent raise for US service members is proposed, alongside a reduction of around 7,300 civilian positions in the Navy.
Policy Implications:
- Focus on Unmanned Warfare
Trump aims to advance drone swarms and unmanned systems, sharply reducing reliance on manned platforms. - Modernisation vs Legacy Systems
The plan would retire aging military assets, including A‑10 attack aircraft, shifting resources to next‑generation weaponry and technologies. - Industrial Considerations
The proposal supports a “revitalised defense industrial base,” targeting streamlined procurement and manufacturing of high-tech munitions.
Congressional Response and Debate:
- Supporters argue the proposal aligns with 21st-century threats and maintains deterrence, particularly against China.
- Critics warn shrinking the F‑35 fleet and naval capacity could weaken air defence and maritime readiness.
- Congressional committees have already moved to adjust the request, including boosting F‑35 purchases to 69 jets.
This proposal marks a significant potential pivot in US defence strategy—moving away from expensive hardware toward a more agile, drone-and-missile-centric military posture.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
