The UK faces a debate over its military budget, with critics arguing that increased defence spending is prioritized over essential services like healthcare and welfare. This 'welfare vs. warfare' narrative is fueled by political rhetoric and think tank reports, despite the financial realities suggesting that welfare cuts alone won't fund defence goals.
UK Defence Minister John Healey resigned, citing the government's military budget plan as insufficient for current threats. His resignation adds pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who faces internal challenges and criticism over defense spending.
A fierce debate erupted in the French Senate over the military programming law. Senators proposed increasing the budget to €50 billion by 2030, a figure rejected by the government. This led to a strong backlash from the LR party, who then rejected a key article of the law.
The French Senate has rejected a key article of the military budget law, removing the planned trajectory for defense spending until 2030 and challenging the government's goal of €436 billion. This move by the right-wing senators signals a deep disagreement over national security funding.
A Ukrainian drone strike on a bus traveling from Moscow to Simferopol killed seven and injured 11. Meanwhile, France's military programming bill, aiming for €436 billion in spending by 2030, faced unexpected setbacks in the Senate.
French senators rejected a proposed military budget increase, despite broad parliamentary support. The LR party's amendment for an additional 50 billion euros was narrowly defeated, leading to the rejection of the main budget article.
The French Senate unexpectedly rejected a key article of the Military Programming Law (LPM) on Tuesday, which proposed a €36 billion budget increase for the armed forces by 2030. This setback for the government occurred despite broad support from the National Assembly, highlighting divisions within the Senate.
France's Senate debated a military budget update, with unexpected divisions arising over a proposed €36 billion increase. The right-wing LR party's call for an additional €14 billion was narrowly rejected, leading to the rejection of the core budget article.
Defense leaders at Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue noted a worsening security environment in the Asia-Pacific, marked by escalating conflicts and US-China rivalry. Discussions focused on increased military spending, with the US urging allies to boost defense capabilities, while Taiwan's status remains uncertain.
Trump stated the US has inflicted heavy blows on Iran and that Tehran cannot possess nuclear weapons. He also mentioned informing China's Xi Jinping about the US military's strength and called for a defense budget increase. An Iranian source noted reduced gaps with Washington, though uranium enrichment and the Strait of Hormuz remain sticking points.
French MPs approved a military budget update, adding €36 billion. Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin stressed the need for anticipation and investment in equipment like munitions, fighter jets, and tanks. France also aims to improve Rafale competitiveness and is involved in a mission near Djibouti for Middle East peace.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget amid congressional scrutiny over the Iran war's escalating costs, now at $29 billion. Lawmakers questioned the strain on weapons stockpiles, while Hegseth acknowledged increased production to support ongoing operations and future needs.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion military budget amid congressional scrutiny over the Iran war's escalating costs, now at $29 billion. Lawmakers questioned the strain on weapons stockpiles, while Hegseth acknowledged increased production to support ongoing operations and future needs.
At the same time, Jules Hurst noted that the Pentagon will soon begin using the $400 million military aid package for Ukraine previously approved by Congress
At a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Pentagon CFO Jules Hurst III offered the first official estimate of the cost of the war in Iran at US$25 billion, most of which went to ammunition, with funds also allocated for operations and equipment upgrades. Defense Secretary Hegseth, a former Fox News host, sparked controversy by calling congressional Democrats and some Republicans the biggest adversary.
The US military is requesting $1.5 trillion for FY2027, including $53.6 billion for drone production and procurement under the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group and $20.6 billion for one-way attack drones through the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The total of approximately $74 billion for drone and autonomous warfare technologies represents the largest such investment in US history, exceeding the entire defense budgets of most countries and ranking among the top 10 in military spending worldwide.
Critics argue Donald Trump's proposal for a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget, including a $445 billion increase, is disastrous, diverting funds from essential social programs and exacerbating national debt while benefiting military contractors.
