Following decisions on new frigates, the focus has shifted to large surface strike vessels currently classified as Trump-class battleships. The prototype ship has been given the proposed name Defiant, although this may change at a later stage.
According to presidential declarations, the initial order is to cover two ships, while the long-term plan assumes a fleet of up to 25 units. Construction of the first vessel is planned to begin in 2030, and the published visual concept may differ significantly from the final design.
Preliminary tactical data released by the United States Navy indicate that the ships are to carry crews of between 650 and 850 personnel. Maximum speed is expected to exceed 30 knots, with full displacement around 35,000 tonnes.
The armament is to include 128 Mk 41 vertical launch system cells, supplemented by a separate launcher with 12 cells for nuclear-armed cruise missiles. Additional weapons are planned to include 127 mm automatic guns, laser systems rated at 300 kW or 600 kW, and a single electromagnetic railgun.
Close-range defence is to be provided by RAM missile launchers, a limited number of 30 mm automatic cannons, and dedicated systems to counter unmanned aerial threats. The overall weapons suite positions the Trump class as heavily armed surface combatants focused on high-intensity warfare.
Cautious estimates suggest that the unit cost could exceed USD 10 billion, potentially making the programme one of the most expensive in US Navy history. The size of the ships is also expected to limit construction to two or three US shipyards, with possible impacts on other long-term naval programmes.
The new battleships may ultimately replace the gradually retired Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers. Until a permanent successor is introduced, this role is currently being filled on an interim basis by Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyers.
