Captain Sarah Martinez never thought she’d live to see the day when the word “battleship” would echo through the halls of the Pentagon again. Growing up on naval bases around the world, she remembered her grandfather’s stories about serving aboard the USS Missouri during World War II. “Those were real warships,” he’d tell her, eyes lighting up as he described the thunderous roar of 16-inch guns.
Now, as a senior naval analyst watching the latest briefings from Washington, Martinez finds herself witnessing history repeat itself – but with a distinctly modern twist. The U.S. Navy isn’t just bringing back battleships; they’re reimagining what these massive vessels can do in an age of hypersonic missiles and cyber warfare.
The revelation came during what many considered a routine naval conference, but the implications are anything but ordinary. For the first time in decades, America is seriously planning to build new battleships that could fundamentally change how naval warfare unfolds in the coming years.
The BBG(X) Battleship Project Takes Shape
At the Surface Navy Association’s 2026 symposium, senior officials finally pulled back the curtain on the BBG(X) battleship program, officially designated the Trump-class. This isn’t your grandfather’s battleship – it’s a radical departure from anything the Navy has operated since World War II.
The timing isn’t coincidental. As the Navy prepares to retire its aging Ticonderoga-class cruisers, a critical capability gap is emerging. These cruisers don’t just carry missiles; they serve as the nerve centers for entire carrier strike groups, coordinating complex operations across vast ocean expanses.
“We’re facing a command and control cliff that threatens our ability to project power globally,” explained Rear Admiral James Thompson during the symposium presentation. “The BBG(X) battleship program represents our answer to that challenge.”
Unlike the Iowa-class battleships that were reactivated in the 1980s primarily for shore bombardment, the Trump-class is designed around information dominance and integrated missile warfare. These ships will serve as floating command posts capable of orchestrating multi-domain operations while delivering devastating firepower when needed.
Revolutionary Weapons and Capabilities
The specifications revealed at the symposium paint a picture of the most heavily armed surface combatant in naval history. The BBG(X) battleship will dwarf current destroyers and cruisers in both size and firepower.
Here’s what makes these new battleships truly formidable:
- 128 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells – more than double the capacity of current cruisers
- Next-generation railgun technology for long-range precision strikes
- Advanced laser defense systems for missile and drone interception
- Sophisticated command and control suites rivaling land-based facilities
- Enhanced survivability features including advanced armor and damage control systems
- Integrated cyber warfare capabilities
| Feature | BBG(X) Battleship | Current Cruisers | Current Destroyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLS Cells | 128 | 122 | 96 |
| Crew Size | ~400 | ~330 | ~280 |
| Length | ~900 feet | 567 feet | 509 feet |
| Displacement | ~65,000 tons | 9,600 tons | 8,300 tons |
“The railgun system alone represents a quantum leap in naval firepower,” noted Dr. Elizabeth Chen, a defense technology analyst who attended the briefing. “We’re talking about projectiles traveling at seven times the speed of sound with pinpoint accuracy at ranges exceeding 100 nautical miles.”
The laser systems aren’t just defensive measures either. These directed-energy weapons can disable enemy sensors, communications equipment, and even small craft without the need for traditional ammunition. This gives the BBG(X) battleship an almost unlimited magazine for certain types of engagements.
Game-Changing Impact on Naval Strategy
The introduction of the BBG(X) battleship could fundamentally alter how the Navy approaches global operations. These ships are designed to operate as the centerpiece of surface action groups, providing both the firepower and command infrastructure needed for independent operations far from friendly shores.
Naval strategists see several key advantages emerging from this new class of warship. First, the massive VLS cell count allows for unprecedented magazine depth, enabling sustained operations without frequent resupply. Second, the advanced command facilities mean these ships can coordinate not just naval operations, but joint land, air, and space missions as well.
The psychological impact shouldn’t be underestimated either. The mere presence of a 65,000-ton battleship in international waters sends a clear message about American naval power and commitment to regional stability.
“These ships will give us options we simply don’t have today,” explained Commander Robert Hayes, a surface warfare officer who participated in the early design reviews. “When you can park that much firepower and command capability anywhere in the world’s oceans, it changes the strategic calculus for both allies and adversaries.”
The timing of the program also reflects growing concerns about near-peer competitors developing their own advanced naval capabilities. China’s expanding fleet and Russia’s modernized submarines have created new challenges that traditional destroyers and cruisers may struggle to address alone.
Cost remains a significant factor, with each BBG(X) battleship expected to cost approximately $8 billion – making them among the most expensive warships ever built. However, Navy leadership argues that the capabilities these ships provide cannot be replicated by building more conventional vessels.
The first Trump-class battleship is scheduled to begin construction in 2028, with initial operational capability expected by 2034. The Navy plans to build at least four of these vessels initially, with the possibility of expanding the class based on operational experience and budget availability.
For naval families like the Martinez clan, the return of battleships represents more than just military capability – it’s a connection to naval heritage and a symbol of America’s continued commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation worldwide. As Captain Martinez puts it, “My grandfather would be amazed to see what we’re calling battleships today, but I think he’d approve of the mission.”
FAQs
What does BBG(X) stand for?
BBG(X) is the Navy’s designation for the new battleship program, with “BB” referring to battleship, “G” indicating guided missile capability, and “(X)” denoting the experimental or developmental nature of the design.
How big will these new battleships be compared to World War II battleships?
The BBG(X) battleships will be significantly larger than World War II-era vessels, displacing around 65,000 tons compared to the Iowa-class’s 45,000 tons, making them among the largest surface combatants ever built.
When will the first BBG(X) battleship be ready for service?
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first ship achieving initial operational capability by 2034, assuming the program proceeds on schedule and receives full funding.
Why is the Navy bringing back battleships after so many decades?
The Navy needs to replace the command and control capabilities of retiring cruisers while also providing enhanced firepower for future conflicts, particularly against near-peer adversaries with advanced naval capabilities.
How much will each BBG(X) battleship cost?
Each ship is expected to cost approximately $8 billion, making them among the most expensive warships ever constructed, though the Navy argues this cost is justified by their unique capabilities.
Will these battleships have traditional large guns like World War II ships?
No, the BBG(X) battleships will rely primarily on missiles, railguns, and laser weapons rather than traditional naval artillery, reflecting modern warfare requirements and technological advances.
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