U.S. allocates $946 billion for defense budget

The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that $946 billion will be spent through 2034 to maintain and modernize the country's current nuclear military power.

The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that $946 billion will be spent through 2034 to maintain and modernize the country's current nuclear military power.

The CBO on Thursday released its biennial report titled "Projected Costs of US Nuclear Forces," based on budget plans from the US defense and energy ministries.

The report stated that nuclear expenditures will cost approximately $95 billion per year between 2025 and 2034, with $357 billion set aside until 2034 to maintain the existing nuclear arsenal.

Estimates show that $309 billion will be spent on weapon systems, $79 billion on command, control, communication, and early warning systems, and $72 billion on laboratory equipment, with $129 billion set aside for potential additional costs.The US nuclear forces include nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, long- and short-range bombers, and nuclear warheads.According to January 2024 data from the online statistics portal Statista, 5,044 of the world's 12,121 nuclear warheads belong to the US.

Key allocations include:

• $309 billion for weapon systems management,

• $79 billion for command, control, communication, and early warning systems,

• $72 billion for laboratories and research, and

• $129 billion reserved for potential additional expenses.

US Nuclear Capabilities:

Currently, the US nuclear arsenal includes:

• Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines,

• Land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and

• Long-range and short-range bombers equipped with nuclear warheads.

According to January 2024 statistics from the online data platform Statista, the US controls 5,044 of the world’s total 12,121 nuclear warheads.

Breakdown of the Defense Budget:

• Total US Defense Spending (2025–2034): $946 billion

• Annual Average Spending: $95 billion

• Weapons Management & Development: $309 billion

• Command & Warning Systems: $79 billion

• Laboratories & Research: $72 billion

• Reserve for Potential Additional Spending: $129 billion

Why Such a Massive Investment?

• Nuclear Modernization by China and Russia: Russia is already leading with hypersonic weapons, while China is rapidly working to double its nuclear arsenal.

• Rebuilding the "Nuclear Triad": The US is modernizing its nuclear capabilities across land (ICBMs), air (B-21 bombers), and sea (Columbia-class submarines). This technological upgrade is essential.

• Cold War Legacy: Much of the US nuclear arsenal dates back to the Cold War. The outdated technology and costly maintenance of these weapons present risks to national security today.

Where Do Other Nations Stand?

• Total Global Nuclear Warheads (2024): 12,121

  • US: 5,044

  • Russia: Approximately 5,800

  • China: Over 500 and rapidly growing.

The Debate: Defense or Deterrence?

Experts are questioning whether such a large budget is truly about defense or is a strategic move to demonstrate power. Critics argue that these funds could be better spent on education, healthcare, or addressing climate change.

The Politics of Nuclear Power

The US decision signals more than just defense; it carries a geopolitical message: "No World War, but constant preparedness." In today's world, having nuclear weapons is increasingly seen as synonymous with security, reinforcing the belief that military might equates to national strength.