Trump Administration Proposes Massive $65 Billion Naval Expansion Featuring New Battleship Class

The White House has unveiled a fiscal 2027 budget request that allocates $65.8 billion toward Navy shipbuilding, marking a significant increase from the $42 billion requested in the previous year. This substantial funding boost aims to facilitate the construction of 18 battle force ships and 16 auxiliary vessels, serving as the cornerstone of President Trump’s vision for a modernized "Golden Fleet." The proposal includes initial funding for a new class of conventionally powered battleships, which are expected to be equipped with cutting-edge technology such as hypersonic missiles and high-energy laser systems.

Beyond traditional shipbuilding, the administration is prioritizing a "drone dominance" initiative, calling for unprecedented investments in unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. The budget seeks to integrate these technologies across the Department of War to counter threats from near-peer adversaries and non-state actors. While the administration emphasizes the need to address a shrinking fleet and improve maritime deterrence, the ambitious plan faces long-term logistical hurdles. Analysts suggest that the new battleship class could carry a price tag exceeding $10 billion per vessel, with construction timelines potentially spanning over a decade. The broader defense proposal requests a total of $1.5 trillion, reflecting a 44% increase in the Pentagon's overall topline spending.