Wish List for $87bn - US Indo-Pacific Command has requested an unprecedented budget for Tomahawk missiles, Aegis Ashore air defence systems and space assets to deter China

The US Department of Defence will have to allocate an unprecedented budget in the coming years to ensure effective deterrence of China in the Indo-Pacific region. The command has calculated how much money is needed to achieve the goal.

Here's What We Know

US President Joe Biden has requested $842 billion from the US Congress to maintain the country's Armed Forces for fiscal year 2024. At the same time, the Indo-Pacific Command needs $87 billion to effectively contain China. Fortunately, we are talking about funding for the period from 2024 to 2028.

In 2023, the command's budget is just over $9 billion, but already in 2024 it will increase more than one and a half times to $15.4 billion. The US is forced to invest in different segments to effectively counter the People's Republic of China.

In particular, the command has listed missiles, air defenses, space assets, radar systems, exercises and data exchange systems among the expenditures. In addition, the request includes funding for the establishment of new firing ranges and supply depots.

The project of strengthening the air defense of the military base on the island of Guam already exists. It envisages deployment of the Aegis Ashore system by 2026. $10.8bn is needed to improve the US presence in the region. The Marine Corps will send 5,000 troops to Guam, Tinian and Pulau who are currently stationed on the Japanese island of Okinawa. The US is to invest more than $2 billion in infrastructure development here.

The Space Force project needs $6.3 billion, including $1 billion for a space-based system to track enemy missiles that can be launched from ships, submarines, aircraft and land-based sites.

Finally, Tomahawk anti-ship missiles, mines and cruise missiles will cost $2.8 billion. They will be intended for the US Navy.

Source: Defence News