$1.5 trillion! Pentagon reveals largest military budget increase since World War II, "Golden Dome", "Golden Fleet" and F-35 emerge as the biggest winners.

The Pentagon on Tuesday released more details of the $1.5 trillion defense budget proposed by Trump for the fiscal year 2027. If approved by Congress, this budget request will mark the largest annual increase in US military spending since World War II. The proposal includes a base budget of $1.15 trillion, and a separate $350 billion supplemental funding plan that would require additional legislation, a process similar to the budget procedure used last year. Defense officials say the plan introduces a new spending category called "Presidential Priorities," covering the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, artificial intelligence, data systems, drone projects, and investments aimed at strengthening the US defense industrial base. The "Golden Dome" system is a multi-layer missile defense system developed for the US, inspired by Israels "Iron Dome" system, but much larger due to the vast geographic range it needs to protect and the complexity of threats it faces. Shipbuilding a top priority The budget allocates over $65 billion for ship procurement, including 18 combat vessels and 16 support ships to be built by companies like General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls Industries. Officials say this plan, dubbed the "Golden Fleet," is the largest shipbuilding request since 1962. Vertical Research Partners analyst Rob Stallard notes that this is good news for companies like General Dynamics, Huntington Ingalls Industries, as well as space startups such as Rocket Lab, Firefly Aerospace, and SpaceX. Aircraft procurement expanded The proposal raises the annual procurement quantity of Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jets to 85. Additionally, $102 billion is reserved for aircraft procurement and research and development, a 26% increase from the previous year. Next-generation aviation systems remain a priority, including Boeings F-47 fighter jet project. The budget also requests $6.1 billion for Northrop Grummans B-21 bomber. Record investment in drone warfare Senior officials say this budget request represents the largest investment in drone warfare and counter-drone systems to date. The plan includes $53.6 billion for autonomous combat platforms and battlefield logistics, as well as $21 billion for ammunition, counter-drone defense, and other advanced systems. Funding for the Defense Autonomous Task Force will increase from around $2.25 billion to approximately $54 billion. Officials say most of the spending will focus on deploying existing technologies rather than early-stage research. The task force also takes over the Pentagon's previous "Replicator" drone program. Military pay and force expansion The budget includes a pay raise plan tilted towards lower-ranking soldiers: a 7% increase for junior soldiers, 6% for higher-ranking officers, and 5% for the highest-ranking officials. The Pentagon also plans to expand the military by 44,000 personnel in the fiscal year 2027, following an expansion of over 20,000 personnel in the fiscal year 2026. Costs related to Iran will be addressed in future requests The proposal does not include funding related to conflicts with Iran. According to a senior Pentagon official, a separate supplemental funding request may be needed in the future to cover recent operational expenses and replenish military reserves. The plan has now been submitted to Congress, where lawmakers will weigh the scale of budget increases and the government's priorities in missiles, ships, aircraft, and autonomous systems.