Department of War releases president’s fiscal 2027 budget

The Department of War on Monday unveiled President Donald J. Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 defense budget request, a $1.5 trillion plan the department says represents a 42% increase over current funding and a generational build-up to “unleash the American Arsenal of Freedom.”

“We are delivering on President Trump’s commitment to expand American military dominance for decades to come,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said. “Previous Administrations underinvested in our military while our enemies grew stronger and more dangerous, so we are now changing the game. This budget builds this arsenal without compromising readiness that will ensure we remain the world’s premier fighting force, we protect the homeland, and we create peace through strength now and into the future.”

Framed as a response to a complex global threat environment across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace, the request directs $756.8 billion to new capabilities intended to strengthen the Defense Industrial Base and “deliver the innovation and lethality” for U.S. forces, while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. The department said it identified nearly $20 billion in unnecessary costs and redirected those funds to frontline priorities.

The plan launches an $18 billion effort to begin operationalizing “America’s Golden Dome,” described as a next-generation, layered homeland missile defense architecture featuring space-based sensors and interceptors as well as kinetic and non-kinetic defeat options. It also includes $2.3 billion to sustain enhanced border security initiatives in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.

Readiness funding would rise by an additional $31.7 billion over FY 2026 enacted levels to support areas such as cybersecurity, ship operations, flying hours, and ground readiness. The request backs future platforms including the F-47 and B-21, accelerates nuclear arsenal modernization, and proposes investments in housing and pay. End strength would grow by more than 2% in FY27, including over 3% for active components, adding 44,000 service members.

The budget calls for $74 billion for drones and counter-drone systems, tripling FY26 spending in that sector. For maritime forces, $65.8 billion is directed to shipbuilding and shipyard modernization, funding the “Golden Fleet” and 18 new Battle Force Ships—the largest such request since 1962.

Space funding would rise to more than $75 billion, nearly doubling the United States Space Force budget to prioritize national and economic security interests “in, from, and to” space. Cyber investments exceed $20 billion to bolster defense of federal systems, critical infrastructure, and supply chains while expanding cyber operations.

Budget materials are posted at: https://comptroller.war.gov/Budget-Materials/