Battleship with hypersonic missiles and lasers: Trump announces ‘Fleet Gold’ project
On December 22, US President Donald Trump announced the launch of a major initiative to build a new class of warships for the US Navy. This project, dubbed the Golden Fleet, will include new Trump-class battleships.
According to Breaking Defense, the new battleships will be the largest warships in American and world history. They will have a displacement of about 30,000-40,000 tons and will be equipped with modern weapons, including guns, missiles, hypersonic weapons, electromagnetic railguns, and robust laser systems.
Trump noted that the US urgently needs to update its fleet, as most ships in service are outdated and do not meet modern combat requirements. According to him, the US Navy has not received any new battleships since 1994, and the new ships will serve as the leading platforms for surface warfare.
The plan involves the initial construction of at least two ships, with the series increasing to 10 units and, over time, to 20-25. It is expected that the lead ship of the class will be the USS Defiant. The US Navy may announce a construction competition, and the first ship is planned to be laid down as early as 2030.
Trump also emphasized that the new battleships will not only be technologically advanced but also have a unique design. The President expressed his desire to participate in the design process, emphasizing his aesthetic preference.
The farewell announcement for the project took place at Mar-a-Lago, with Defense Secretary Pat Hegseth, Navy representatives, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in attendance. Trump also noted that the “Golden Fleet” will include uncrewed vessels to increase the operational capabilities of the American fleet.
In addition, Trump announced parallel work on new aircraft carriers, submarines, and combat aircraft to ensure the country’s naval and overall defense leadership.
