The total year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending would be the largest since World War II. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The plan focuses on bolstering munitions and expanding the US naval fleet, while also commencing construction on President Donald Trump's planned Golden Dome missile defence system. Additionally, the proposal includes significant pay rises of between 5 per cent and 7 per cent for all military personnel to assist with recruitment and retention.

Five weeks in, Trump has consistently claimed the operation is nearing completion and could wrap up in two to three weeks, yet the budget signals a far more prolonged and expensive commitment.