The US plans to build Trump-class cruisers with a record displacement of 35,000 tons.
The US Navy plans to commission 10 new-generation Trump-class cruisers, equipped with over 200 missiles, to replace the Ticonderoga-class and counterbalance Chinese warships.
The U.S. Navy has just confirmed plans to purchase 10 large surface warships of the Trump class, marking the return of warships comparable in size to battleships. With an expected displacement of up to 35,000 tons, this will be the largest class of surface warships in the world, far surpassing current competitors. In fact, this is considered a new generation of guided missile cruisers, intended to replace the Ticonderoga-class cruisers that are being gradually retired from service.
A breakthrough in scale and firepower.
The Trump-class destroyers boast a displacement exceeding 35,000 tons, nearly three times that of China's Type 055 destroyer (13,000 tons) and more than three times that of the US Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer (under 10,000 tons). This massive size allows the ship to integrate an unprecedentedly powerful weapons system.
According to leaked diagrams, the ship can carry 12 hypersonic intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, combined with more than 200 vertical launch systems (VLS). This system includes Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-3 and SM-6 anti-aircraft and interceptor missiles, ensuring multi-mission capabilities ranging from ground attack to ballistic missile defense.
A central role in the new naval strategy.
In addition to firepower, the large size of the Trump-class ships allows them to be equipped with modern radar, sensor, and electronic warfare systems, giving them a fleet command advantage. Notably, the deck is capable of accommodating V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, providing logistical support and long-range command and control – a rare feature on traditional surface warships.
Amidst increasing naval competition, the Trump-class is expected to become a robust "defense umbrella" for carrier strike groups, and a strategic long-range missile launch platform in the 2030s.
Budget and feasibility challenges
Despite its great potential, the Trump-class project faces considerable skepticism. The American shipbuilding industry is currently in crisis due to labor shortages and cost overruns. Maintaining a budget for a fleet of 35,000-ton ships is a significant challenge for the Pentagon.
Furthermore, analysts warn that concentrating too much firepower on a single platform could make it a highly valuable target for modern hypersonic missiles. The Trump class is now a crucial test for the US's ambitions to restore naval power in a harsh security and economic environment.
