The US Defence Department has developed a new military strategy and published a new budget. Defence Secretary Robert Gates argues that the old scenario based on fighting two simultaneous wars against conventional armies is outdated.

The new strategy document shifts the focus from hostile countries to "non-state actors" such as al-Qaeda, whose access to high-tech missiles puts US bases and command centres across the world at greater risk.

The budget sets aside greater funds for unmanned aircraft or drones, and for special operations. The Defence Department will also concentrate more on combating cyber warfare and attacks on computer networks.