NewzUS Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally requested a defence budget of nearly US$1.5 trillion, describing the funding as essential for national security. Hegseth emphasized that this investment is necessary to maintain a competitive edge in emerging technologies, specifically citing autonomy, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
The request is framed as a strategic response to China’s rapid military modernisation. According to Hegseth, failing to secure these resources would result in the United States falling behind global rivals in critical technological sectors, underscoring the urgency of the proposed spending package.
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