years and lots of missiles: Details of Trump's $1.5T defense budget request

Key Points:

• The Trump administration has requested $1.5 trillion in defense spending for fiscal year 2027, including $1.15 trillion in the base budget and $350 billion from a proposed reconciliation bill, marking the first time base defense spending exceeds $1 trillion.
• Defense spending is projected to decrease after FY27, potentially dropping to $1.28 trillion in 2028 and rising slightly to $1.35 trillion by 2031 if no further reconciliation or supplemental funding is approved, with political uncertainty around future bills.
• The Department of the Navy is allocated the largest share at $150 billion for FY27, with significant increases in shipbuilding ($65.8 billion) and aircraft procurement, while the Space Force budget is set to surge by 77% to $71.2 billion, driven by research and development.
• The Air Force plans substantial boosts in research and development ($74.2 billion) and procurement ($62 billion), including funding for new stealth fighters and missile programs, while the Army faces cuts in manned aviation procurement but increases missile procurement and armored vehicle funding.
• US Cyber Command seeks $2.1 billion for operations, procurement, and R&D, focusing on discretionary funding without reconciliation dollars, highlighting ongoing investments in cyber warfare capabilities.