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source_url: https://www.tbsnews.net/worldbiz/usa/trump-unveils-trump-class-battleships-pressures-defense-contractors-overruns-1316801
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Trump unveils 'Trump-class' battleships, pressures defense contractors on overruns
Trump said the new battleships would be larger, faster and "100 times more powerful" than any previously built, forming the centerpiece of what he called an expanded "Golden Fleet" aimed at cementing US naval dominance
Highlights:
- New battleship to lead Navy's expanded 'Golden Fleet'
- Vessel envisioned as biggest, most powerful in naval warfare
- Warship to carry nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missiles
US President Trump on Monday announced plans for a new "Trump class" of battleships, marking the start of an expanded naval buildup and signaling increased scrutiny of defense contractors over production delays and cost overruns.
Trump said the new battleships would be larger, faster and "100 times more powerful" than any previously built, forming the centerpiece of what he called an expanded "Golden Fleet" aimed at cementing US naval dominance.
The program will begin with two vessels and is expected to grow to between 20 and 25 ships, Trump said. The first of the class will be christened the USS Defiant.
The announcement represents the latest example of the president rebranding an aspect of the federal government in his image. Trump, who has previously criticized the appearance of US warships, said he will be personally involved in the designs.
He said the ships will weigh more than 30,000 tons, larger than current destroyers, and be equipped with the latest technology, including artificial intelligence and directed energy lasers.
"We haven't built a battleship since 1994. These cutting-edge vessels will be some of the most lethal surface warfare ships ... other than our submarines," Trump said.
In addition to carrying conventional naval guns, the new battleships will be equipped with nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missiles, US Navy Secretary John Phelan said, appearing with Trump in Florida for the announcement.
In addition to carrying conventional naval guns, the new battleships will be equipped with nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missiles, US Navy Secretary John Phelan said, appearing with Trump in Florida for the announcement.
"We don't want to have executives making $50 million a year, issuing big dividends to everybody, and also doing buybacks" while production of F35s and other jets languish, Trump said.
Reuters reported last week that the administration was planning an executive order to limit dividends, buybacks and executive pay for defense contractors whose projects are over-budget and delayed.
Trump and the Pentagon have been complaining about the expensive, slow-moving and entrenched nature of the defense industry, promising dramatic changes that would make the production of war equipment more nimble.
Besides the new battleship class, the expanded fleet envisions increasing numbers of other war vessels, including introduction of a new, smaller class of frigates previously announced by the Navy, Trump said.