Former President Trump has presented an ambitious proposal for the U.S. Navy, which includes the construction of a new type of warship he terms a “battleship.” This plan is part of an initiative to create a “Golden Fleet.” During an 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.”
Key Features of the USS Defiant
The USS Defiant will exceed the size of the World War II-era Iowa-class battleships. This ship is expected to incorporate advanced weaponry, including:
- Hypersonic missiles
- Nuclear cruise missiles
- Rail guns
- High-powered lasers
Many of these technologies are still under development by the Navy.
Background and Development Timeline
This announcement follows the Navy’s recent decision to scrap plans for a smaller warship due to delays and budget overruns. Instead, the focus has shifted towards a modified Coast Guard cutter. The Navy has faced challenges in building other new ships, including the Ford-class aircraft carrier and Columbia-class submarines.
A U.S. official noted that design work for the USS Defiant is currently underway, with construction anticipated to begin in the early 2030s. This timeframe reflects the ongoing struggles in deploying advanced technologies effectively.
Historical Context of Battleships
The term “battleship” traditionally describes a large and heavily armored war vessel equipped for bombarding enemy targets. The U.S. Navy’s Iowa-class battleships, weighing around 60,000 tons, were the pinnacle of naval power during World War II. However, their prominence has declined, giving way to aircraft carriers and missile systems.
According to newly created communications about the Golden Fleet, the USS Defiant will be similar in size to the Iowa-class but only weigh about 35,000 tons. The crew size is projected to range from 650 to 850 sailors, reflecting a significant decrease compared to earlier models.
Trump’s Involvement in Navy Design
Trump has exhibited a keen interest in the design and aesthetics of naval vessels. He previously expressed discontent with the Navy’s destroyers and called for changes to specific ship designs. He emphasized that he would take an active role in shaping the new battleship’s exterior and functionalities.
Navy Secretary John Phelan echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating that the USS Defiant is intended to “inspire awe and reverence for the American flag whenever it pulls into a foreign port.”
The initiative for the new battleship and the Golden Fleet underscores the Trump administration’s vision for a revitalized naval presence, reflecting a blend of modern technology and historical legacy.
