Congress warns Trump-class battleship could overwhelm US nuclear shipyards
Only two US shipyards can build nuclear vessels—BBG(X) may overstrain them.
A US congressional committee has cast doubt on President Trump's 'Golden Fleet' programme, warning that the planned BBG(X) nuclear-powered guided-missile battleship could overstress an already strained nuclear shipbuilding capacity. The House Armed Services Committee (HASC) voted to advance the 2027 defence budget bill after approving an amendment by Congressman Joe Courtney, who also highlighted the vulnerability of battleships to China's DF-21D ballistic missile, widely known as a 'carrier killer'. The amendment requires the navy secretary to deliver a report by March 2027 on how the BBG(X)—dubbed 'Trump-class'—could be built without disrupting existing nuclear programmes.
The committee's concern stems from the fact that the US has only two shipyards capable of building nuclear-powered vessels, with just one maintaining an active production line for surface ships, and a single supplier of naval nuclear reactors. This comes as the PLA Navy rapidly expands its fleet and fields advanced anti-ship missiles. Courtney's warning echoes broader doubts about Washington's ability to revive its naval industrial base to counter Beijing's maritime buildup. The amendment underscores the tension between Trump's aggressive schedule for the battleship and the realistic capacity of US defence infrastructure.
- House Armed Services Committee passed an amendment by Rep. Joe Courtney demanding a feasibility report on the BBG(X) battleship by March 2027.
- US has only two nuclear-capable shipyards, one active surface vessel line, and one naval reactor supplier.
- Courtney warned the BBG(X) is vulnerable to China's DF-21D 'carrier killer' anti-ship ballistic missile.
Why It Matters
Questions the viability of Trump's naval expansion amid China's missile threats and limited shipyard capacity.