Trump Unveils Ambitious Plans for New Navy Battleship

BATH, FL — President Donald Trump has announced a groundbreaking initiative to develop a new class of warship, dubbed the “USS Defiant,” as part of his vision for a “Golden Fleet.” During a recent event at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump described the new battleship as the largest and most powerful ever constructed, claiming it will be “100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.” This ambitious project aims to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. Navy significantly.

The USS Defiant is set to surpass the World War II-era Iowa-class battleships in size and length. It will be equipped with advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, rail guns, and high-powered lasers, many of which are still under development by the Navy. Trump emphasized the importance of this new ship in maintaining U.S. naval superiority and ensuring the safety of American families.

Charles F. Krugh, president of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, expressed the shipyard’s readiness to support the Navy in this significant shipbuilding program. With over 140 years of experience, Bath Iron Works is known for constructing Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, which form the backbone of the Navy. As of September, eight destroyers were in various stages of construction at the facility, which employs around 6,700 workers and has invested $11 million in recruitment efforts since 2016.

Challenges Ahead for the Navy’s New Warship

Trump’s announcement comes on the heels of the Navy’s decision to abandon plans for a new small warship due to delays and cost overruns. Instead, the Navy opted for a modified version of a Coast Guard cutter. The service has faced challenges in delivering other new vessels, such as the Ford-class aircraft carrier and Columbia-class submarines, on schedule and within budget.

The Navy has also struggled to implement some of the advanced technologies that Trump envisions for the USS Defiant. For instance, after spending hundreds of millions of dollars and over 15 years attempting to deploy a railgun on a ship, the Navy ultimately abandoned the project in 2021. While laser technology has made some progress, its deployment remains limited. Currently, a system designed to disable drone sensors is installed on eight destroyers after eight years of development.

Additionally, the development of nuclear cruise missile capabilities may conflict with non-proliferation treaties signed by the U.S. and Russia. Despite these obstacles, a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that design efforts for the USS Defiant are underway, with construction expected to commence in the early 2030s.

The new ship is intended to be a modern interpretation of the traditional battleship, which historically featured heavy armor and large guns for naval combat. The USS Defiant will weigh approximately 35,000 tons, significantly lighter than the Iowa-class battleships, and will be manned by a smaller crew of 650 to 850 sailors. Its primary armament will consist of missiles rather than traditional naval artillery.

As the Navy embarks on this ambitious project, both Trump and Navy Secretary John Phelan have expressed their commitment to ensuring that the USS Defiant embodies the spirit of American naval power.