U.S. Navy to Construct New Class of Battleships in Early 2030s
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced plans to begin construction on a new class of battleships, named the Trump-class, in the early 2030s. This initiative follows a recent announcement by President Donald Trump, who unveiled the “Golden Fleet” program aimed at revitalizing the Navy. During a speech at Mar-a-Lago, Trump indicated that preliminary work on the battleships is expected to take approximately two and a half years, with a goal to complete it before the end of his term. The initiative includes plans for two initial battleships, with aspirations to build up to eight more, potentially totaling 25 vessels.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan confirmed that the lead ship will be named USS Defiant. He emphasized that the Trump-class battleships will enhance the United States’ nuclear deterrent capabilities, featuring nuclear-armed cruise missiles. Additional weaponry will include a railgun, 12 launcher cells for Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles, 128 Mk41 Vertical Launch System cells, and advanced laser systems. These innovations aim to bolster the Navy’s defense against unmanned systems and other threats.
Design Phase and Specifications of the Trump-Class Battleship
According to a Pentagon press release, the Trump-class battleship is currently in the design phase, with construction of the USS Defiant targeted for the early 2030s. The new class is projected to be the largest battleship ever constructed, boasting a displacement exceeding 35,000 tons. Trump stated that the Trump-class will possess “100 times the power” of the Iowa-class battleships, which were the last of their kind in the U.S. Navy.
The Trump-class battleship will replace the DDG(X) program, which was focused on developing a successor to the Flight III Arleigh Burke destroyer. The capabilities from the DDG(X) program will be integrated into the Trump-class design, which is expected to be three times larger than the Arleigh Burke class. This ambitious project reflects a significant shift in naval warfare strategy, emphasizing advanced technology and enhanced firepower.
In his remarks, Trump expressed his intention to participate in the battleship’s design process, highlighting his interest in aesthetics. He previously claimed to have influenced the design of the Constellation-class frigate to enhance its visual appeal. However, specific details regarding the construction locations and methods remain undisclosed. Trump assured reporters that the project would generate thousands of American jobs, leveraging a combination of robotic factories and human labor to meet workforce demands.
As the Navy prepares for this monumental undertaking, the Trump-class battleship represents a pivotal development in U.S. naval capabilities, aiming to ensure maritime superiority in the years to come.
