TL;DR
The administration’s recently announced large surface combatant has been described as a battleship, but the design lacks the guns and armor that define that class. Analysts characterize it more like a large missile cruiser with a mix of VLS cells, hypersonic and nuclear cruise-missile provisions, and a grab-bag of secondary systems.
What happened
The Trump administration unveiled a new large surface warship design that has been publicly labeled a “battleship.” Observers working in naval analysis argue the label is inaccurate: the ship emphasizes missile systems rather than heavy naval guns or armor and therefore fits better as a large missile cruiser. Announced features include a new ship-launched nuclear cruise missile, Conventional Prompt Strike/hypersonic cells, and about 128 vertical-launch system (VLS) cells—paralleling the Ticonderoga-class cruiser’s VLS count. The package also lists secondary systems such as a railgun, 5-inch guns placed forward, lasers, RAM, 30 mm mounts, and the ODIN dazzler. Critics say the design appears to assemble fashionable or high-profile technologies without clear justification versus other programs like DDG(X) or a stretched Arleigh Burke design, and procurement choices around a cutter-based frigate replacement add to concerns about capability trade-offs and program intent.
Why it matters
- Labeling and design choices affect procurement priorities and how limited defense funds are allocated between new concepts and incremental improvements to existing classes.
- The ship’s reliance on VLS and missile weapons shifts the service’s combat profile; questions remain about whether the new missile systems require a bespoke platform.
- Secondary and experimental systems (railgun, lasers, ODIN) highlight risks of investing in immature technologies with unclear operational advantages.
- Ship size and capability trade-offs influence fleet distribution—one large vessel cannot replace numbers or presence offered by multiple smaller ships.
Key facts
- The announced design was publicly described as a ‘battleship,’ but the author argues it does not meet the traditional definition (large, gun-armed, armored).
- The design reportedly includes a ship-launched nuclear-capable cruise missile intended as a replacement for the nuclear Tomahawk; official details are sketchy.
- It also lists Conventional Prompt Strike (hypersonic) capability alongside an unspecified number of launch tubes.
- The package includes approximately 128 VLS cells, a count comparable to a Ticonderoga-class cruiser on about 10,000 tons.
- Secondary weapons mentioned include a railgun (whose development has struggled with barrel life), two forward 5-inch guns, lasers, RAM, 30 mm guns, and ODIN (a laser-based dazzler).
- Critics note the design’s dimensions are large relative to its stated displacement, drawing comparisons to WWII-era Iowa and Alaska-class hulls.
- A separate procurement decision would adapt a National Security Cutter design into a minimum-change FF(X)/FFG-62 replacement for the Constellation class, with mission-module flexibility.
- Simulations cited by the author (Command: Modern Operations) suggested the FF-62-equipped design would detect and engage some anti-ship threats far earlier than the cutter-based design, which had much shorter detection ranges.
- The author warns the program appears to emphasize appearance and novelty, and its future beyond 2028 could depend on election outcomes.
What to watch next
- Whether the ship-launched nuclear cruise missile can be accommodated in existing VLS cells or requires a dedicated launch arrangement — not confirmed in the source.
- Decisions about funding and program continuation after 2028, which the author links to upcoming elections and procurement priorities.
- How many Conventional Prompt Strike/hypersonic tubes the design will actually carry and how they are integrated — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Vertical Launch System (VLS): A shipboard system of vertical missile cells that can store and launch various types of rockets and missiles.
- Conventional Prompt Strike: A program name generally used for hypersonic or other prompt conventional strike capabilities intended to hit time-sensitive targets quickly.
- Railgun: An electromagnetic weapon concept that accelerates projectiles along conductive rails; development has faced challenges such as rail erosion and limited barrel life.
- RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile): A short-range, ship-based surface-to-air missile system commonly used for point defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.
- ODIN: A laser-based dazzler system intended to confuse or visually disable sensors or optics on incoming unmanned or crewed platforms.
Reader FAQ
Is the announced ship actually a ‘battleship’?
No. The author argues it lacks the defining characteristics of a battleship—heavy gun armament and armor—and is better characterized as a large missile cruiser.
Does the new nuclear cruise missile require this new ship to be fielded?
The source suggests likely not; the missile could probably be deployed from standard VLS on other platforms, but official integration plans are sketchy.
Will this design replace the DDG(X) program?
Not confirmed in the source.
How many ships will be built and when will they enter service?
Not confirmed in the source.
View Edit History Print December 28, 2025 No, it’s not This week has seen the announcement by the Trump Administration that they are going to be building “battleships”, a subject…
Sources
- No it's not a Battleship
- Trump Battleship Will be Largest Surface Combatant Since WWII
- The Golden Fleet's Battleship Will Never Sail
- Trump's 'Golden Fleet' battleship plan is bold, but looks like …
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