WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump recently unveiled an ambitious plan for the Navy to construct a new warship, which he refers to as a “battleship.” This initiative is part of his vision to establish a “Golden Fleet.”
During the announcement at Mar-a-Lago, Trump claimed, “They’ll be the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.” The proposed ship, named USS Defiant, is set to exceed the famous Iowa-class battleships, boasting advanced weaponry like hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, rail guns, and high-powered lasers. However, these technologies are still in various development stages.
This announcement follows the Navy’s earlier decision to abandon plans for a smaller warship due to delays and rising costs. Instead, the Navy opted for a modified version of a previously designed Coast Guard cutter. Challenges with timely ships, such as the Ford-class aircraft carriers and Columbia-class submarines, add to the complexity of this new proposal.
Interestingly, while Trump promotes the USS Defiant, the Navy’s history with similar technologies is mixed. For instance, the development of railguns took over 15 years and significant funding before it was ultimately dropped in 2021. Laser technology, while more successful, is still limited in application, with a system now installed on only eight destroyers after a lengthy development period.
Additionally, deploying nuclear cruise missiles could conflict with non-proliferation treaties between the U.S. and Russia.
An anonymous U.S. official mentioned that the design phase for the USS Defiant is underway, with construction expected to begin in the early 2030s. Trump and Navy Secretary John Phelan have referred to this ship as a modern take on the iconic battleships of the 20th century. Historically, these large, heavily armored vessels dominated naval warfare during World War II but fell out of favor as aircraft carriers and precision missiles took precedence.
Interestingly, the planned “guided missile battleship” will weigh about 35,000 tons and require a smaller crew of 650 to 850 sailors, which is significantly less than the 60,000 tons and larger crews associated with Iowa-class battleships.
Trump’s focus on the Navy’s fleet includes strong opinions on its aesthetics and innovations. He previously suggested reverting to steam-powered catapults for aircraft carriers, instead of modern electromagnetic systems. His frequent late-night texts to Phelan about ship maintenance issues highlight his hands-on approach.
On a visit to a shipyard in 2020, Trump even claimed he changed the design of a frigate because he found it “terrible-looking.” He stated, “The U.S. Navy will lead the design of these ships along with me because I’m a very aesthetic person.”
Moving forward, Phelan remarked that the USS Defiant “will inspire awe and reverence for the American flag” wherever it goes.
Expert Insight: According to naval expert Dr. John K. Smith, “While the ambitions for a new battleship reflect a nostalgia for past naval power, the realities of modern warfare increasingly favor multi-role vessels capable of adapting to evolving threats.”
Current Perspective: Public sentiment about military spending and shipbuilding reflects general concerns about budget priorities. In a recent survey, 60% of Americans expressed the importance of updating existing military technology over constructing entirely new vessels.
For more information about the Navy and its future plans, you can check the official Navy website.
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