The US Navy's Fiscal Year 2027 shipbuilding plan outlines a significant investment in expanding its fleet, with a focus on acquiring at least 15 new Trump-class battleships by 2055. These battleships, the first of which is expected in 2036, are anticipated to be nuclear-powered and could cost up to $17.5 billion each. The Navy aims to achieve a "Golden Fleet" by building these advanced vessels, which are designed for high-volume, long-range offensive fires and command and control, rather than replacing existing destroyers.
The plan also details substantial spending of $305.7 billion from 2027 to 2031 for various vessels, including five Columbia-class submarines, seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, and 23 medium landing ships. Additionally, the Navy intends to invest $3.11 billion to purchase 47 medium unmanned surface drones and another $1.13 billion for 16 extra large unmanned underwater vehicles over the same five-year period. These unmanned systems are expected to enhance mission success and reduce risk to personnel.
Despite these ambitious plans, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle warned Congress on May 13, 2026, about a potential budget crunch that could lead to interruptions in training and operations by July if a supplemental funding request is not approved. The fiscal 2027 Defense Department budget request includes $377.5 billion for the Navy, representing a 23% increase from the previous year. However, Caudle indicated the current rate of operations in the Middle East is straining the budget.
The Department of the Navy, under Acting Secretary Hung Cao, emphasizes that the plan reflects a commitment to revitalizing the industrial base and delivering a more capable and lethal naval force. The overall goal is to expand the fleet to 299 battle force ships, 68 auxiliary vessels, and 83 unmanned vessels by 2031, moving towards the legally mandated target of 355 battle force ships. This strategy will enable the Navy to accommodate advanced weapon systems, including hypersonic capabilities, and address evolving global threats.
The Navy's strategy for acquiring medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) involves buying them off-the-shelf using "other transaction authority" to accelerate development. The government will not fund bespoke prototype designs, instead incentivizing industry investment and making payments based on demonstrated operational success. The plan also mentions retiring 4 battleships and 16 submarines of various types from 2027-2031.
