Pentagon proposes $50 billion increase for defense
The head of the Pentagon has proposed to the US administration a plan to increase defense spending, which could exceed $1,000 billion in fiscal year 2028.
According to RT on January 13, Bloomberg cited a letter sent to the Secretary of the Office of Management and Budget in the US President's Administration. Accordingly, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin proposed increasing defense spending by about $50 billion compared to the initial estimate for fiscal year 2025. This proposed increase in spending could push the Pentagon's budget beyond $1,000 billion in the coming years.
Secretary Austin did not give a specific reason for the increase, other than to reiterate the need to support defense strategies, emphasize countering China, and strengthen alliances.
“Mr. Austin has called for an increase in defense spending to about 3% of US GDP in fiscal years 2027-2030. OMB estimates that US defense spending will be 3.2% in fiscal year 2024,” Bloomberg said.
Previously, at the end of December 2024, President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, bringing the defense budget to a record $895 billion. The focus of the 2025 US defense budget is $15.6 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative; $300 million to support Taiwan (China) to enhance its self-defense capabilities. $33.5 billion will be reserved for building seven new modern warships, including Virginia-class submarines and destroyers.
The 2025 defense budget is not just a huge spending spree, but also a long-term strategy to maintain America's military superpower status.
