The United States House of Representatives has passed the 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA 2026) with a record £901 billion defence budget, sending the bill to the Senate for final approval. The legislation strengthens Washington’s long-term competition with Russia and China, expands modernisation programmes and reinforces US military commitments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
The budget allocates around £400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, enabling purchases from US defence companies supplying the Ukrainian military. It also prevents the Pentagon from reducing the number of US troops stationed in Europe below 76,000, preserving NATO’s forward posture. In the Indo-Pacific, the bill provides £1 billion for Taiwan and £1.5 billion for the Philippines, reflecting heightened security priorities in the region.
The act introduces mandatory notification to the US Treasury for any transaction involving sensitive technologies with China. A new Biosecurity Act bars selected Chinese biotechnology firms from receiving federal funds. The legislation also expands congressional oversight of certain military activities, while removing widely supported proposals such as the military “right-to-repair” provision. Additional measures seek greater transparency over UAP/UFO activity.
The NDAA repeals the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, ending the 2019 sanctions framework once the President submits an initial report within 90 days, followed by periodic reporting every 180 days for four years. The change would reshape elements of Washington’s Syria policy, with sanctions relief tied to strict conditions.
No Türkiye-related provisions are included. The 3,086-page bill contains no new clauses concerning Türkiye, CAATSA sanctions, the S-400 system or the F-35 programme. This absence does not alter existing restrictions; earlier legal barriers remain in force under previous NDAA and CAATSA authorities.
The package also maintains support for Israel’s defence posture and adjusts several Middle East sanctions measures as part of a broader regional strategy.
Author: Özgür Ekşi
