Key Facts
• June 25, 2025: Trump proposed the 2026 defense budget.
• Total budget request: $892.6 billion, same as the current fiscal year.
• Includes a 3.8% salary increase for soldiers.
• Focus on high-tech missiles and drones, including long-range cruise missiles (JASSM-ER) and anti-ship missiles (LRASM).
• Budget cuts: F-35 fighter jets reduced to 47 units (from 68 in 2025).
• Navy personnel reduction: 7,286 civilian staff to be cut.
• Only three naval vessels to be procured.
• Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) funding significantly reduced.
• Increased funding for cost-effective small drones, proven effective in Ukraine.
• Budget aims to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific and revitalize the defense industry.
• “Golden Dome” missile defense system funding excluded from this proposal.
• The budget is part of a broader defense bill already passed by the House.
Summary
President Donald Trump unveiled the 2026 defense budget proposal on June 25, 2025, maintaining a total request of $892.6 billion. The plan prioritizes advanced weaponry, including drones and long-range missiles, while cutting costs by reducing F-35 fighter jet purchases to 47 units and retiring outdated equipment. The Navy will see a reduction of 7,286 civilian staff and procure only three new vessels. Soldiers’ salaries will increase by 3.8%, and funding for small, cost-effective drones will rise, reflecting their proven success in Ukraine. The budget aims to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific and strengthen the defense industry. Notably, the “Golden Dome” missile defense system is excluded from this proposal. The budget is part of a larger defense bill already approved by the House.
