US Navy Plans 15 Trump-Class Battleships by 2055, Expanding Prior 3-Ship Commitment
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 11
US Navy Plans 15 Trump-Class Battleships by 2055, Expanding Prior 3-Ship Commitment
6 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 11
At least 15 Trump-class battleships are now in the Navy’s long-range shipbuilding plan, a sharp increase from the previously disclosed purchase of three.
The new target appears in a congressionally mandated plan released Monday, signaling a deeper long-term commitment to the warship program than the service had publicly outlined before.
The Navy had said the first Trump-class ship would arrive in 2036; the updated plan extends procurement of the vessels through 2055.
The expansion underscores the scale of a program the report says could produce the costliest warship ever built, tying the fleet plan more closely to a design endorsed by President Donald Trump.
US shipyards are already at capacity. How can they build a new fleet of the largest warships in a century?
With a history of failed naval projects, can the US build its new super-battleship without repeating past multi-billion dollar errors?
Are billion-dollar battleships the future of naval power, or a costly mistake in an age of drones and advanced missiles?
The Trump-Class Battleship Program: High Stakes, High Costs, and the Battle for U.S. Naval Dominance
Overview
As of May 2026, the Trump-class battleship program is still under active discussion and planning within the Navy, but its future remains uncertain. Recent Navy budget documents released in late April 2026 highlight the enormous financial commitment required, with the lead ship expected to cost over $17 billion. These proposed vessels would be the most expensive warships ever built, reflecting the Navy’s ambition for advanced capabilities. However, the scale of investment and ongoing debates underscore both the strategic significance and the risks involved, as the program’s realization is not yet assured.