U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a defense budget proposal of $892.6 billion for the 2026 fiscal year, signaling a significant shift in military priorities. The proposed budget maintains nearly the same funding level as the previous year in nominal terms but reflects a slight reduction when adjusted for inflation. Trump's plan emphasizes advanced missile systems, drones, and military personnel compensation, while scaling back on high-cost programs such as the F-35 stealth fighter.
One of the most notable changes in the proposal is the reduction in F-35 jet purchases from 68 units in 2025 to 47 in 2026. Instead, the budget channels more resources into producing precision-guided missiles and expanding unmanned aerial capabilities. This move aligns with the administration’s focus on countering long-range threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and adapting to evolving warfare strategies that demand flexible, rapid-response technologies.
In addition to weapons systems, the proposal includes a 3.8% pay raise for service members, reflecting a continued commitment to personnel welfare despite cost-cutting in other areas. However, the number of new naval vessels has been limited to three, with other shipbuilding initiatives expected to be addressed through supplemental budget requests.
The Department of Defense has been tasked with identifying $50 billion in savings to reallocate toward Trump’s stated priorities, including strengthening missile defense systems and bolstering border security infrastructure. This redirection of funds is expected to reduce emphasis on European theaters of operation, with a sharper focus on deterring Chinese military expansion and securing U.S. strategic interests in the Pacific.
Despite the administration’s intentions, the proposed budget is likely to face scrutiny and revisions from Congress. Republican lawmakers have already indicated they may restore the F-35 order to 69 jets and are considering attaching roughly $150 billion in supplemental defense spending to broader budget negotiations. Critics argue that reducing F-35 procurement could weaken the U.S. defense industrial base and strain commitments to allies that have invested in the aircraft.
As the budget moves through the legislative process, the outcome will reveal the degree to which the Trump administration's strategic vision—centered on modernized warfare and fiscal restraint—will reshape America's defense priorities in the years ahead.