The United States plans to purchase at least 15 new warships of the “Trump” class over the next 30 years, which was approved by President Donald Trump.
Source: Gazeta.UA
According to the publication, the U.S. Navy previously stated its intention to procure three such battleships, the first of which is expected to enter service in 2036. At the same time, the new plans provide for expanding the program to more than 10 ships by 2055.
The cost of one vessel is estimated at no less than $14.5 billion. The total budget for the first three ships in the Navy’s five-year plan is about $43.5 billion. This potentially makes the new battleships more expensive than the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, which is currently the most expensive U.S. warship.
The Navy notes that 30-year plans are strategic documents and do not contain final financial parameters for the entire fleet of 15 ships.
At the same time, the proposed increase in the Pentagon’s defense budget for 2027 to $1.5 trillion, according to media reports, may face strong opposition in the U.S. Congress.
Internal documents also state that all programs extending beyond the current five-year plan until 2031 are under review by the administration.
The first ship of the “Trump” class is planned for 2036, the second and third for 2038 and 2039, and the fourth and fifth for 2041 and 2043.
Overall, the U.S. Navy projects that by 2031 the fleet will number about 299 combat ships, which is below the target of 355 vessels and slightly above the current level of 291 ships.
The military acknowledges that the shortage of the fleet is systemic and related not only to industrial capacity but also to procurement approaches, planning, and risk management.