President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to build massive Navy “battleships” called the Golden Fleet, claiming they’d be “100 times more powerful” than WWII Iowa-class ships and equipped with hypersonic missiles, rail guns, and lasers, aiming to modernize the U.S. Navy and promote “peace through strength.”
A New Golden Fleet and a Return to Battleships
Speaking to reporters and guests, Trump said he had approved a plan for the Navy to begin construction of two “very large” battleships, which he described as the largest ever built by the United States. He compared them to historic vessels such as the USS Iowa, USS Missouri, USS Wisconsin, and USS Alabama, which once dominated the seas.
“These ships will be bigger,” Trump said, adding that they will carry vastly greater firepower than earlier battleships. He claimed they will outperform all others in speed, size, and strength, calling them “the best in the world.”
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Trump also criticized the current state of the U.S. Navy, saying many existing ships are old, worn out, or becoming obsolete. According to him, the Golden Fleet would move in the opposite direction by introducing highly advanced warships designed to last for decades.
The term “battleship” itself drew interest because modern navies have mostly moved away from traditional battleships in favor of aircraft carriers, submarines, and guided-missile destroyers. Still, Trump emphasized that these new vessels would not be old-style gun platforms but heavily upgraded warships built around cutting-edge technology.
He said early design renderings already exist and claimed that designers had been considering the ships “for a long time,” though officials did not release any Navy documents or timelines during the announcement.
Hypersonic Missiles, Rail Guns, and Laser Weapons
One of the most striking parts of Trump’s announcement was his description of the weapons these new battleships would carry. Trump said the battleships would carry hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds greater than five times the speed of sound. These missiles are extremely hard to detect and intercept, making them a major focus for military powers around the world.
He also highlighted rail guns, which use electromagnetic force instead of explosives to fire projectiles at very high speeds. These weapons promise longer range and lower costs per shot, though the U.S. military is still testing them.
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Another key feature he emphasized was high-powered laser weapons, designed to shoot down incoming missiles, drones, or aircraft using focused energy beams. While the military has tested laser systems on ships in recent years, they have not yet widely deployed them as primary defenses.
By combining these technologies, Trump suggested the new battleships would be able to strike targets on land, at sea, and in the air while also defending themselves against modern threats.
When asked whether the ships target China, Trump denied aiming at any specific country. “They counter everybody,” he said, adding that threats can emerge unexpectedly. He stressed that the ships aim to deter, not to fight, and said he hopes the Navy never has to use them.
Global Context and Rising Naval Competition
Trump’s announcement of the Golden Fleet comes at a time of rising global focus on naval power, especially in the Asia-Pacific. China has rapidly modernized its navy in recent years, launching advanced destroyers, submarines, and aircraft carriers. This expansion has drawn attention from military analysts and international observers alike.
Reports at the time highlighted Chinese naval activity near Japan, including the aircraft carrier Liaoning and the Type 055 destroyer. The Type 055 is widely regarded as one of the most heavily armed destroyers in the world, carrying over 100 vertical launch missile cells and advanced radar systems. These capabilities allow it to detect threats far beyond the horizon and coordinate attacks over vast distances.
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Trump also touched on broader global security issues during his speech, referencing tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, Greenland, and Latin America. He framed the Golden Fleet as part of a wider strategy to strengthen U.S. national security and ensure naval dominance in key regions.
While details on funding, construction timelines, and official Navy approval remain unclear, the announcement signals a major focus on advanced naval technology. Defense experts note that building a new class of warships typically takes years, involving extensive testing, budgeting, and congressional oversight. The Golden Fleet’s promise of unprecedented power has captured worldwide attention.
