Trump Unveils Plans for New Navy Battleship
President Donald Trump has laid out an ambitious initiative to construct a new Navy battleship, designated as the USS Defiant. This announcement highlights a vision for what he calls the “Golden Fleet,” aimed at modernizing the U.S. naval capabilities.
Details of the USS Defiant
Trump claims that the USS Defiant will surpass all previous battleships in speed, size, and firepower. He asserts it will be 100 times more powerful than any warship currently in service. The USS Defiant will feature advanced technology, including:
- Hypersonic missiles
- Nuclear cruise missiles
- Rail guns
- High-powered lasers
These technologies are still in various stages of development within the Navy. The ship is expected to be larger than the WWII-era Iowa-class battleships, with a proposed weight of around 35,000 tons and a crew size between 650 and 850 personnel.
Context of the Announcement
This announcement follows the Navy’s recent decision to abandon plans for a new smaller warship due to delays and budget issues. Instead, they will be modifying existing designs, including a Coast Guard cutter that was previously in production. The Navy has also faced challenges meeting deadlines for other modern vessels, such as the Ford-class aircraft carrier and Columbia-class submarines.
Notably, the railgun technology meant for naval vessels was scrapped after extensive investment and years of development. On the other hand, laser systems, which have recently been deployed on several destroyers, have shown more promise, although their application remains limited.
Challenges Ahead
Constructing the USS Defiant raises potential complications, especially concerning international treaties. Developing and deploying nuclear cruise missiles could conflict with non-proliferation agreements held with nations such as Russia.
The design phase of the USS Defiant is underway, with construction anticipated to commence in the early 2030s. Both Trump and Navy Secretary John Phelan envision the ship as a modern successor to traditional battleships, despite the historical context that renders the term less applicable today.
Trump’s Influence on Naval Design
Trump has previously expressed strong opinions on various aspects of the Navy’s fleet, often advocating for the retention of older technologies over modernization. He has been critical of the appearance of naval ships, citing concerns about rust and the aesthetic appeal of newer designs.
During his time in office, he has been known to directly intervene in military ship designs, demonstrating his personal investment in the Navy’s image and functionality. Regarding the USS Defiant, Trump stated that he would take an active role in its design along with the Navy, emphasizing his opinion on aesthetics in military architecture.
Phelan believes that the USS Defiant will evoke admiration and respect for the United States whenever it enters a foreign port, reinforcing the country’s naval presence.
