Trump Administration Requests $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, a 44% Increase

The Trump administration requested a 44 percent increase in defense spending through its Fiscal Year 2027 defense budget proposal on April 23, 2026, according to a policy brief from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). 1 trillion in base defense discretionary budget authority and $350 billion that would require passage of a separate mandatory reconciliation bill. S.

Military readiness by replacing munitions used in recent conflicts, modernizing forces, expanding capacity, and bolstering deterrence amid threats from China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. 9 billion for critical munitions, including procurement of 12 key munitions identified as top priorities by the Pentagon. S.

Forces expended Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) and Joint Air-to-Surface Missiles (JASSM) against Iran, highlighting the need for replenishment. Low production capacity has increased the time required to rebuild stockpiles after such expenditures, FDD stated. The proposal includes procurement of SM-6 air defense interceptors, as well as interceptors for THAAD and Patriot systems.

U.S. forces employed large numbers of SM-6, THAAD, and Patriot interceptors during Operation Epic Fury, reducing inventories to concerning levels. 9 billion for missile defense capabilities, covering the Next Generation Interceptor program, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, and SM-3 Block IIA and IB missiles.

SM-3 Block IIA missiles are designed to defeat midcourse and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) threats. These investments address growing ballistic missile threats, according to the FDD brief.

6 billion for counter-unmanned systems. S. forces face threats from short-range first-person view (FPV) drones and long-range one-way attack drones, such as the Iranian Shahed-136.

FDD noted that the Pentagon should procure capable drone defenses at scale while collaborating with partners like Ukraine to adapt to evolving threats. 2 billion, including funding to boost the Air Force’s F-15EX fleet, increase procurement of F-35s, and continue investment in sixth-generation fighter development. 1 billion for the B-21 next-generation strategic bomber.

These funds support essential components of America’s future nuclear triad, FDD reported. The budget provides a 23 percent increase for the Navy, funding the acquisition of 34 ships and 123 aircraft. 8 billion for shipbuilding to procure one Columbia-class submarine, two Virginia-class submarines, one Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and other amphibious and landing ships.

The proposal also requests funds for a frigate as part of the Navy’s effort to procure a new small surface combatant ship and investment for the BBG(X) Battleship. The policy brief was authored by Ryan Brobst, deputy director of the Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) at FDD; Cameron McMillan, senior research analyst of CMPP; and Bradley Bowman, senior director of CMPP.

FDD described the budget as a response to years of insufficient defense resources, with Congress now tasked to pass the necessary authorization and appropriations bills.

U.S. forces of needed resources.