Source: Fortune.com
Summary
The US Navy plans to buy at least 15 new battleships, called Trump-class, over the next 30 years, with the first arriving in 2036. The cost of each ship could be at least $14.5 billion, making them the most expensive US warships. The Navy’s 30-year plan is seen as aspirational, and the program’s future is uncertain due to potential pushback in Congress and the possibility of a change in administration.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds familiar.
The Navy’s plan to buy 15 Trump-class battleships over 30 years is a significant commitment to a costly program. The cost of each ship could be at least $14.5 billion, making them the most expensive US warships. The program’s future is uncertain due to potential pushback in Congress and the possibility of a change in administration. The Navy’s 30-year plan is seen as aspirational, and the program’s attachment to President Trump makes it a potential target for cancellation if Republicans lose the House of Representatives. The Navy’s acquisition process is also criticized as structural and in need of reform.
The numbers tell a story of a program that’s as much about politics as it is about defense.
Author: Evan Null
