US President Donald Trump on Monday announced plans to build a new class of massive and heavily armed battleships as part of what he called the “Golden Fleet.” He described the move as an effort to restore America’s naval strength and bring back large-scale shipbuilding in the country.

Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump said he has approved the immediate construction of two new battleships. He added that the long-term plan is to expand the fleet to around 20 to 25 such vessels. According to Trump, these ships will be larger, faster, and far more powerful than any battleships built in the past.

Standing alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan, Trump said the US Navy urgently needs new ships. He claimed that many existing naval vessels are old, worn out and no longer suitable for modern warfare.

Visual designs shown during the announcement revealed the new “Trump class” battleships, including one named USS Defiant. Trump said the Navy aims to deliver the first two ships within the next two and a half years. 

Trump explained that the new battleships would weigh between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes and would act as flagship vessels of the US Navy. These ships would carry a mix of advanced missiles and traditional naval guns. He argued that guns are cheaper than missiles and can still deliver powerful attacks during combat.

He pointed out that the US has not built a battleship since 1994 and said these new vessels would be among the most dangerous surface ships in the world, apart from submarines. Trump also stated that the battleships would be nuclear-capable.

Addressing global tensions, Trump denied that the project is aimed specifically at China, despite growing competition in the Indo-Pacific region. He said the new fleet is meant to deter all potential threats and promote what he called “peace through strength.” He added that he has a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and wants stability rather than conflict.

Apart from battleships, Trump said the Golden Fleet would also include other naval vessels, such as a smaller and more flexible frigate class that has already been announced by the Navy.

Trump also said the naval expansion would come with stricter oversight of defence contractors. He criticised defence companies for delays and rising costs and said he plans to meet top executives next week. During the meeting, he will question whether executive salaries, share buybacks and dividend payments are affecting production speed.

In recent months, Trump and Pentagon officials have repeatedly criticised the defence industry for being slow, expensive and inefficient. They have promised major reforms to ensure faster production and better value for money as the US strengthens its military capabilities.