U.S. Navy FY2027 Plan Confirms Nuclear Trump-Class Battleships

The U.S. Navy released its Fiscal Year 2027 30-year shipbuilding plan on Monday, confirming that the new Trump-class battleships will be nuclear-powered and seeking $65.8 billion in funding for the coming year to expand the fleet amid persistent shortfalls.

The plan marks a significant escalation, requesting funds for 34 manned warships and five unmanned combat platforms in fiscal 2027 alone. Over the next five years, it outlines procurement of 122 additional ships and 63 unmanned systems, including 10 Virginia-class attack submarines, five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and 23 Medium Landing Ships for the Marine Corps. The Navy currently operates 291 battle force ships, 64 below the statutory requirement of 355, despite shipbuilding budgets doubling over the past two decades.

A centerpiece is the Trump-class battleship program, announced by President Donald Trump in December 2025. Officials confirmed the vessels, displacing 30,000 to 40,000 tons, will feature nuclear propulsion for extended endurance and speeds exceeding 30 knots. Each is projected to cost about $17 billion and carry hypersonic missiles, high-energy lasers,...