The U.S. Defense Department on Friday released a new National Defense Strategy (NDS), elevating homeland defense to its top priority and describing the Western Hemisphere as a region neglected in past efforts, while rejecting claims of isolationism and urging allies to shoulder greater responsibility.

The document outlines how the Pentagon will implement the latest National Security Strategy, calling homeland defense the military's primary mission.

It says this focus includes securing borders, combating drug-related terrorism and protecting U.S. airspace, as well as safeguarding American interests across the Western Hemisphere. The strategy also stresses increased investment in the defense industrial base.

The NDS follows the White House's release of a new National Security Strategy last month, which laid out President Donald Trump's renewed "America First" approach and a recalibration of U.S. global security priorities.

(Cover: A view of the Pentagon in Washington, December 9, 2025. /VCG)