CBO Warns $275 Billion Trump-Class Plan Could Overrun US Shipyards
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 5
CBO Warns $275 Billion Trump-Class Plan Could Overrun US Shipyards
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 5
Summary
$275 billion is the latest CBO estimate for 15 Trump-class nuclear battleships, with the first ship priced at $23.4 billion and later vessels at about $18 billion each.
Those ships would push the Navy's surface-combatant procurement budget from $11 billion in 2025 to $18 billion in 2027, while each vessel would cost roughly in line with Ford-class carriers.
By 2035, the plan would more than double required large-surface-combatant tonnage, but Bath Iron Works and Ingalls are already struggling with destroyer schedules and average Arleigh Burke deliveries are delayed five years.
Newport News can build nuclear-powered warships, yet the CBO said shifting battleship work there could strain carrier and submarine programs already facing delays.
The report adds to broader doubts about whether concentrating sailors and high-end weapons on a few giant ships makes sense as cheaper drones, hypersonic missiles and submarines reshape naval warfare.