US President Donald Trump announces new ‘battleship’ plan under ‘Golden Fleet’ vision

US President Donald Trump on Monday, along with Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, announced plans to construct a new class of American-designed battleships as part of the US Navy’s "Golden Fleet" initiative.

According to the US Navy, the proposed vessels are intended to become the most lethal surface combatants ever constructed, marking a renewed push to strengthen American maritime power.

The first ship in the proposed class will be named USS Defiant (BBG 1). The American Navy said that the Trump-class battleships will serve as a clear statement of the United States’ commitment to maintaining maritime superiority and will be capable of distributing more firepower across the fleet than any other class of ship in naval history.

“These new battleships will stand as the centerpiece of the Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative,” the Navy said, adding that the vessels will combine advanced deep-strike weapons with next-generation systems currently under development.

Focus on firepower, fleet command

According to the Navy, the battleships will be three times the size of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and will feature larger missile magazines.

The ships are expected to have the capability to launch Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles as well as surface-launched nuclear-capable cruise missiles.

The Navy said the ships will be capable of operating alongside carrier strike groups, leading surface action groups, and supporting air, surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. They are also expected to play a central command-and-control role during fleet operations.

Officials emphasise maritime superiority

Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan said the initiative reflects the administration’s focus on restoring American shipbuilding strength.

“The President has been clear -- we must bring back our American maritime industrial might,” Phelan said.

“As Secretary of the Navy, it is my job to equip our sailors to win the fight at sea with the finest ships in our history.”

“When a conflict arises, you’re going to ask us two questions: where is the carrier, and where is the battleship,” he added.

Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle said the Navy needs a larger surface combatant to meet future security challenges.

“As we forge the future of our Navy’s Fleet, we need a larger surface combatant, and the Trump-class battleships meet that requirement,” Caudle said. He added that the Navy would continue to assess requirements to effectively deter and win conflicts in the 2030s and beyond.

Moreover, the US Navy said the battleships will be acquired through a Navy-led, industry-collaborative design approach, involving more than 1,000 suppliers across nearly every US state.

The service will continue to build DDG-51 destroyers as the fleet’s workhorse and develop the FF(X) frigate as part of a broader high-low mix strategy to grow the fleet.

The Navy described the 'Golden Fleet' vision as a long-term investment aimed at revitalising the American maritime industrial base, accelerating fleet construction, and modernising naval operations.

“The introduction of the Trump-class symbolises the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance,” the Navy said, adding that the service remains focused on projecting “peace through power” while maintaining readiness to fight and win.