Trump class battleship construction won't begin until 2030s

The U.S. Navy has announced that construction of the first two Trump class battleships will not begin until the early 2030s. Sole-source contracts are being awarded for initial design work related to these ships.

The Trump class will feature advanced weaponry, including nuclear and conventional missiles, electromagnetic railguns, and laser weapons.

The first ship will be named USS Defiant, part of a planned fleet of 10 to 25 vessels. Design studies are ongoing, with initial costs still uncertain.

The ships will be larger than current Navy destroyers and expected to displace at least 35,000 tons. Debates continue over the operational relevance and costs of the Trump class as the program develops.