Defense Budget

Taiwan’s T-Dome air defence programme may be delayed to 2028 due to budget disputes, as the legislature approved a reduced NT$780 billion defence budget, excluding funding for the Chiang-Kong anti-ballistic missile system.

White House budget director Russell Vought is requesting a 13.3% budget increase for the Office of Management and Budget to fund technology upgrades and address staffing needs, despite having unspent funds from a previous Republican-approved law. The Trump administration's fiscal 2027 budget proposes cutting domestic spending by 10% and increasing defense spending to $1.5 trillion, affecting agencies like Agriculture and Health and Human Services.

Ukraine will allocate $98 billion to defense in 2026 following President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval of a budget increase. EU loans will support weapons procurement and troop pay, aiming to reduce the spending gap with Russia during ongoing conflicts.

Guyana's defense budget has increased eightfold in five years due to revenue from its booming offshore oil industry. The country is building a military from scratch, with a force of about 3,000 troops and current priorities including coastal radar and long-range drones.

The Pentagon faces a proposed $1.5 trillion annual defense budget, which could lead to strategic dilemmas by enabling simultaneous preparation for multiple threats without prioritization. Critics argue the funding surge risks long-term financial strain and neglect of domestic priorities, while supporters claim it is necessary for modernizing the military amid global challenges.

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed a $25 billion defense budget after a six-month stalemate, ending a legislative deadlock that strained U.S.-Taiwanese relations. A bipartisan open letter from U.S. senators and a controversial 'peace' visit by Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun highlighted tensions.

Cheng Li-wun of MT visits the United States to discuss peace and defense budget matters, highlighting regional security cooperation.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tense exchanges with Senate Democrats during his second day of hearings on Capitol Hill, focusing on President Trump’s Iran war, a $1.5 trillion defense budget request, and proposals to deploy troops to polling sites. The Senate Armed Services Committee hearing lasted nearly three hours.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on President Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense budget and Iran-related operations, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The hearing follows criticism he received in the House over Middle East policies.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday regarding the $1.5 trillion defense budget proposal. The hearing was covered by CBS News contributor Elliot Ackerman.

President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget is facing opposition from within his own Republican Party. The budget aims to increase military funding but has drawn criticism from GOP members.