Former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed his plans for the 2026 defense and national security budget.
A New Budget for Military Spending
The proposal outlines how the government wants to spend $892.6 billion next year on military and security needs. While the total amount is almost the same as this year, what’s inside the budget shows some major changes.
Trump wants to give more money to high-tech weapons like missiles and drones. At the same time, he wants to spend less on fighter jets and ships. The budget includes a 3.8% pay raise for troops, showing support for people in uniform. But it also cuts down on jobs in the Navy, reducing the number of civilian workers by more than 7,200.
According to the White House, this spending plan is designed to make the military stronger in the Indo-Pacific region. The government says it wants to stop China from becoming more aggressive in that part of the world. Trump’s budget also aims to improve the U.S. defense industry, which builds weapons and equipment for the military.
Fewer F-35 Jets, More Drones and Missiles
One of the biggest changes in Trump’s budget is cutting back on buying F-35 fighter jets. These jets are made by Lockheed Martin and are among the most advanced in the world. Under President Biden’s 2025 plan, the military wanted to buy 68 F-35s. Trump’s new budget asks for only 47.
Trump’s Bold Stance Forces NATO to Rethink Defense Spending and Unity
Instead of buying more jets, Trump wants to invest in long-range missiles and small drones. These include the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER) and the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). These weapons can hit targets from far away, which is useful in big oceans like the Pacific.
The budget also plans to spend more on small drones. These have proven useful in wars like the one in Ukraine. Drones can fly without a pilot, are cheaper than jets, and can be used for spying or attacks. Military experts have found that small drones are good tools in modern warfare.
However, not all missile systems are getting a boost. The budget asks for fewer Precision Strike Missiles, which were supposed to replace the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACM). Lockheed Martin, the same company that makes the F-35 jets, also makes these missiles.
Cutting Budget for Navy Jobs and Buying Fewer Ships
Another major change in the budget is the plan to buy fewer ships and cut jobs in the Navy. The proposal includes only three warships for next year. The Navy said more ships, including the Virginia-class submarine made by General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls Industries, will be requested through a separate funding bill.
To save money, the plan also includes retiring older ships and planes that are expensive to maintain. These steps are meant to make room in the budget for new weapons and priorities.
The budget affects the Navy’s workforce too. Trump wants to reduce the number of civilian employees in the Navy by 7,286 people. These are not military jobs but support roles that help the Navy run smoothly.
Some of the funding for Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense shield is not included in this main budget. Instead, it will come from a different request. However, the House of Representatives has already passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that includes an extra $25 billion for this missile shield project.
India’s S-400 Air Defense System Stops Missiles and Drones — But Each Intercept Costs $1.75 Million
Key Points from Trump’s 2026 Defense Budget Proposal:
Total defense budget request: $892.6 billion, almost the same as this year.
This budget proposal has already sparked debates in Congress. The House Appropriations Committee wants to increase the number of F-35s to 69 — one more than Biden had requested. As the discussions continue, the plan shows Trump’s clear focus on shifting military spending toward long-range weapons and drone technology.
