The United States has announced plans to develop a new class of battleships for its Navy, dubbed the “Golden Fleet.” President Donald Trump revealed the initiative at Mar‑a‑Lago, stating that the new fleet will be “100 times more powerful” than any battleship ever built. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Navy Secretary John Phelan were in attendance.
The new battleships will be larger than the World War II‑era Iowa‑class ships and will be equipped with advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, rail guns, and lasers. According to Trump, the Navy plans to procure the first ship in 2030 and ultimately build up to 25 vessels. This development is part of a broader expansion of the U.S. Navy that will include both manned and unmanned ships.
U.S. officials have warned that the country is currently trailing China in shipbuilding capacity and output. When asked whether the new warships were intended as a counter to China, Trump declined to single out Beijing, saying the fleet is meant to address all potential threats.
The announcement comes amid increased U.S. operations in the Caribbean, where the Coast Guard is targeting oil tankers linked to Venezuela, and in the Red Sea, where the Navy is responding to attacks on commercial shipping tied to regional conflicts. Chief of Naval Operations Daryl Caudle described the need for more capable warships as “undeniable,” emphasizing the growing demand for advanced naval capabilities.
The Navy has recently faced challenges with its Ford‑class carriers and Columbia‑class submarines and had to cancel a smaller warship project due to delays and cost overruns. The new battleship program aims to address these issues and provide the United States with the advanced capabilities needed to maintain its position as a global naval power. With the first ship slated for procurement in 2030, the development of the Golden Fleet is expected to be a major focus for the Navy in the coming years.
Comments are closed for this story.