Admiral Rebecca Martinez still remembers the moment she first heard the words “Trump-class battleship” spoken in a Pentagon briefing room. The veteran naval officer, who’d spent thirty years watching America’s surface fleet shrink, felt something she hadn’t experienced in decades—genuine excitement about the future of naval warfare.
“I thought battleships were history,” she told her colleagues that day. “But when you see what these new designs can do, you realize we’re not bringing back the past. We’re building the future.”
That conversation happened just two months ago. Now, the US Navy stands on the brink of making the Trump-class battleship program official, with a formal schedule expected within the next 60 days that could reshape American naval power for generations.
The 60-Day Countdown That Changes Everything
The Trump-class battleship isn’t just another warship program—it’s the most ambitious naval project since the original nuclear submarine fleet. Within two months, naval planners will lock in the first formal schedule for this revolutionary vessel class, officially designated BBG(X).
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Huntington Ingalls Industries CEO Chris Kastner recently confirmed that the Navy is preparing to define the initial design schedule for the BBG(X) within 30 to 60 days. This timeline marks the critical transition from political promise to concrete military program.
“The service’s first detailed timing guidance for the Trump-class is expected by early spring, setting out how a six-year design phase will unfold,” according to industry sources familiar with the project.
The lead ship, tentatively named USS Defiant (BBG-1), faces an ambitious timeline. Design work would span from 2026 into the early 2030s, followed by construction beginning in the first half of the 2030s. Launch could happen in the mid-to-late 2030s, with full commissioning targeted for around 2040.
What Makes This Battleship Different
The Trump-class guided-missile battleship represents a complete rethinking of naval warfare. Unlike the battleships of World War II, these vessels combine massive firepower with cutting-edge technology and defensive capabilities.
Key features of the Trump-class battleship include:
- Advanced guided-missile systems with extended range capabilities
- Integrated air defense networks
- Next-generation radar and targeting systems
- Enhanced armor protection against modern threats
- Hybrid propulsion systems for improved efficiency
- Modular weapon systems for flexible mission profiles
| Specification | Trump-class BBG(X) | Current Destroyers |
|---|---|---|
| Length | ~900 feet (estimated) | 500-510 feet |
| Displacement | ~35,000 tons | 9,500-15,000 tons |
| Crew | ~400-500 | 300-350 |
| Missile Cells | 200+ VLS cells | 90-128 VLS cells |
| Service Entry | ~2040 | Current fleet |
Navy officials are still debating whether to treat the BBG(X) as an enlarged version of the planned DDG(X) next-generation destroyer or as a completely new battleship concept. This decision will significantly impact both timeline and costs.
“We’re not just scaling up existing designs,” explains a senior naval architect involved in the project. “This is about creating a platform that can dominate the battlespace in ways we’ve never seen before.”
The Political Promise Becomes Military Reality
President Donald Trump announced the Trump-class battleship program on December 22, 2025, positioning these vessels as the centerpiece of what he calls America’s “Golden Fleet.” The announcement transformed what many considered a campaign promise into a serious military procurement program.
The political backing has been crucial for moving the project forward. Congressional defense committees have shown strong bipartisan support, recognizing the strategic importance of maintaining naval superiority in contested waters.
“This isn’t about politics anymore,” says defense analyst Dr. Sarah Chen. “When you look at the threats we’re facing in the Pacific and elsewhere, these ships make military sense.”
What This Means for America’s Naval Future
The Trump-class battleship program will have far-reaching impacts across multiple sectors and communities. Defense contractors are already positioning themselves for what could become one of the largest naval contracts in decades.
Shipbuilding communities along the Gulf Coast and East Coast are preparing for a potential economic boom. The program is expected to create thousands of direct jobs and support tens of thousands of indirect positions across the defense industrial base.
For naval personnel, the Trump-class represents a new era of surface warfare capabilities. These ships will require specialized training programs and could reshape career paths for generations of sailors.
The international implications are equally significant. Allied nations are watching closely, with some expressing interest in potential variants or cooperation agreements. Potential adversaries are undoubtedly reassessing their own naval strategies in response.
“These ships will fundamentally change how we think about power projection,” notes retired Admiral James Thompson. “When you can put that much firepower in one platform with that level of protection, it changes the entire strategic calculus.”
The economic impact extends beyond shipbuilding. Advanced materials, electronics, weapons systems, and support services will all see increased demand. Small and medium-sized defense contractors are already working to position themselves in the supply chain.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite the excitement, significant challenges remain. Cost overruns have plagued previous naval programs, and the Trump-class battleship represents an unprecedented investment in surface warfare capabilities.
Technical challenges include integrating advanced systems while maintaining reliability and maintainability. The Navy must also develop new operational doctrines for employing these massive vessels effectively.
Congressional oversight will be intense, particularly as budget pressures continue to mount across all defense programs. The Navy will need to demonstrate clear value and progress milestones to maintain funding support.
International arms control considerations may also come into play, though naval vessels generally face fewer restrictions than other weapon systems.
FAQs
When will the first Trump-class battleship enter service?
The USS Defiant (BBG-1) is currently planned for commissioning around 2040, though these dates could shift as the program develops.
How much will each Trump-class battleship cost?
Cost estimates haven’t been released yet, but industry analysts expect each ship to cost several billion dollars given their size and advanced capabilities.
How many Trump-class battleships will be built?
The Navy hasn’t announced the total number planned, but initial reports suggest a class of at least six ships spread over multiple decades.
Will these ships replace current destroyers and cruisers?
No, the Trump-class battleships will supplement existing vessels rather than replace them, providing additional firepower and capabilities for high-intensity conflicts.
What makes these different from World War II battleships?
Modern Trump-class battleships focus on guided missiles rather than large guns, include advanced radar and defensive systems, and are designed for 21st-century threats.
Which shipyard will build the Trump-class battleships?
The contract award hasn’t been announced yet, but major contenders include Huntington Ingalls Industries and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.