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Military Spending

All articles tagged with #military spending

Iran War Spending Could Fund Social Services
politics21 days ago

Iran War Spending Could Fund Social Services

Rolling Stone argues that the early cost of Trump’s Iran war—about $11.3 billion in six days with a possible $200 billion supplemental—highlights a misalignment between military spending and domestic needs, noting that funds could have extended Medicaid subsidies, SNAP, child care, public broadcasting, and other social programs. The piece claims the administration used cost-cutting rhetoric to justify war while Congress and some lawmakers push back, urging priorities be shifted from overseas ventures to American welfare and public services.

No End in Sight: Pentagon Seeks $200B for US-Israel Action Against Iran
world23 days ago

No End in Sight: Pentagon Seeks $200B for US-Israel Action Against Iran

The Pentagon is asking Congress to authorize roughly $200 billion to fund ongoing US-Israel operations against Iran, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying there is no timeframe to end; the request, on top of existing budget increases, faces uncertain congressional support as lawmakers demand more detail on strategy and goals, even as Trump defends the need in a volatile global context and officials note thousands of targets have already been struck and weapons like A-10s and AH-64s are in use.

defense29 days ago

Pentagon: $11B spent in first week of Iran operation

The Defense Department says roughly $11 billion was spent last week on U.S. operations against Iran, a “ballpark” figure that will feed into a forthcoming supplemental budget request. Lawmakers expect the total to reach at least $50 billion, with costs including munitions and flight operations; analysts vary on the overall tally, and the administration has not set an end date for the operations.

Rheinmetall bets on a big 2026 rebound as orders surge
business1 month ago

Rheinmetall bets on a big 2026 rebound as orders surge

Rheinmetall expects 2026 sales to rise 40-45% to 14-14.5 billion euros, backed by an order backlog that could reach about 135 billion euros; 2025 revenue rose 29% to 9.94 billion euros with an expected operating margin around 19% in 2026. The growth is driven by higher missile restocking and air‑defense spending amid European security tensions, though the stock fell on the guidance.

Russia’s recruitment machine strains regional budgets as bonuses rise
world1 month ago

Russia’s recruitment machine strains regional budgets as bonuses rise

Russia continues to recruit tens of thousands monthly for the Ukraine war, funded by rising sign-on bonuses paid from federal and regional budgets. While officials publicly cite a stable annual recruitment rate (roughly 400,000–500,000), budget data indicates mounting regional costs—often several percent of regional budgets and sometimes much higher in tougher regions—threatening deficits and prompting calls for federal help. Recruitment is heavily driven by money, with some entrants in precarious situations exploited for payouts. A new mobilization isn’t imminent, but sustained regional strain and casualties could force federal relief or even renewed conscription in the future, carrying significant political and practical risks.

Europe’s defense dilemma: can it stand on its own without the US?
europe2 months ago

Europe’s defense dilemma: can it stand on its own without the US?

European leaders and analysts are debating whether Europe can secure credible deterrence without US support, with Mark Rutte bluntly insisting it cannot, while others advocate a more autonomous Europe—including the idea of a European army—paired with tighter coordination to reduce American dependence. Even with large spending commitments (NATO’s 5% of GDP by 2035 and the EU’s €800bn defence plan), experts warn Europe must close gaps in intelligence, satellites, missiles, airlift and ballistic defence and avoid duplicative systems. While there is broad agreement on the goal of stronger deterrence by 2030, opinions diverge on form and pace, and a candid conversation with Washington about which assets might remain after 2030 remains essential.

Taiwan Reports 40% Rise in China's Pacific Military Spending to $21 Billion
world7 months ago

Taiwan Reports 40% Rise in China's Pacific Military Spending to $21 Billion

Taiwan estimates that China spent $21 billion on military exercises in the Pacific region last year, nearly 40% more than in 2023, reflecting Beijing's expanding military footprint and activities in areas including the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and beyond, with significant increases in naval and air operations. The report highlights concerns over China's military expansion and regional stability.