Trump unveils largest defence budget in US history

US, April 22: The Trump administration has unveiled a $1.5 trillion defence budget—the largest in U.S. history—aimed at supporting service members and their families, modernising equipment, and rebuilding the defence industrial base.

However, some lawmakers have expressed apprehension, saying the massive proposal may face hurdles in a sharply divided Congress.

The nearly 50 per cent increase in spending is expected to fund several of President Trump’s military initiatives, including tens of billions of dollars for the Navy’s proposed “Golden Fleet” battleship programme and F-47 Air Force fighter jets. This is in addition to $200 billion the administration has sought for the Iran war, which critics say has not been successful.

This year’s budget places significant emphasis on procurement and hardware investment. Around 52 per cent of the total allocation is aimed at acquiring munitions, aircraft, tanks, and ships, according to Jules W. Hurst III, the War Department comptroller.

He said the defence budget represents the largest investment in military capabilities in over a generation. “This budget allocates over $750 billion for capability development and procurement of weapons systems,” Hurst said, adding that the department plans to invest in drone warfare, space capabilities, and shipbuilding, along with infrastructure upgrades, including facilities where service members live.

Critics argue that the Iran war has driven up fuel prices and placed a financial burden on Americans. To finance the defence expansion, the administration is reportedly considering cuts in health, education, and housing programmes.

Experts have also warned that the U.S. military has significantly depleted its stockpile of key missiles during the conflict with Iran, raising concerns about readiness in the event of another major conflict. According to assessments cited by analysts and officials familiar with Defence Department data, the U.S. has expended a substantial portion of its Precision Strike Missiles, THAAD systems, and Patriot air defence interceptors.

Although the Pentagon has signed contracts to boost missile production, experts say it could take three to five years to replenish stockpiles fully, even with increased manufacturing capacity.

While officials maintain that the U.S. currently retains sufficient munitions to sustain operations against Iran, analysts caution that existing reserves may be inadequate to confront a near-peer adversary such as China in the short term.