The Navy Department has unveiled its Fiscal Year 2027 Shipbuilding Plan, detailing a broad 30-year strategy aimed at increasing the fleet, improving the way the Navy acquires ships, and boosting the U.S. maritime in...
The Navy Department has unveiled its Fiscal Year 2027 Shipbuilding Plan, detailing a broad 30-year strategy aimed at increasing the fleet, improving the way the Navy acquires ships, and boosting the U.S. maritime industry under the Trump administration’s "Golden Fleet" initiative.
This plan proposes a $65.8 billion investment in shipbuilding for FY2027. It asks for funding for 34 crewed ships and five unmanned platforms in that fiscal year alone. Over the next five years, the Navy aims to acquire 122 ships and 63 unmanned platforms, making it one of the most ambitious naval expansion efforts in years.
“The United States is at a crucial point, and restoring our maritime dominance needs urgency, accountability, and ongoing commitment,” stated Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao.
Shipbuilding Plan Delivered.
— Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao (@SECNAV) May 11, 2026
Let's get to work!
The plan emphasizes three main areas: changing how the Navy purchases ships, enhancing maritime power through a balanced fleet of ships, and revitalizing the industrial sector. Cao likened the Golden Fleet to Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet, aiming to restore America's status as a maritime power.
Currently, the Navy operates 291 battle force ships, which is significantly below the legal requirement of 355. The report critiques the Navy's shipbuilding history, pointing out that while the shipbuilding budget has doubled over the past twenty years, the fleet size has not increased since 2003.
A key focus of this plan is reforming the industry. The Navy reports that only about 10% of shipbuilding work happens at various sites, with a target of increasing that to 50% through modular construction, digital design, and a wider use of suppliers across the country.
The FY2027-FY2031 plan includes the construction of five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, ten Virginia-class attack submarines, seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, four frigates, two Landing Helicopter Assault (LHAs) ships, five Amphibious Transport Docks (LPDs), 23 Medium Landing Ships, seven fleet oilers, five ocean surveillance ships, and a new class of next-generation battleships. The Navy also plans to speed up the procurement of the future CVN 82 aircraft carrier from FY2030 to FY2029.
One of the most notable proposals is the new nuclear-powered Battleship, or BBGN. This new vessel is designed to provide long-range firepower, survivable command and control, enhanced power generation, advanced weapon capabilities, and space for future systems. The Navy clarifies that this ship is not a replacement for destroyers but a new high-capacity surface combatant to support the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer fleet.
Additionally, the Navy is initiating a new frigate program aimed at allowing destroyers to focus on more critical missions, such as convoy escort, anti-submarine operations, maritime patrol, homeland defense, and counter-narcotics efforts.
The emphasis on unmanned systems is also increasing, with the FY2027 budget planning to include three Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels. Over the five-year period, the plan includes 47 MUSVs and 16 Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles.
The plan also aims to hold the industry accountable. The Navy commits to providing stable requirements and long-term demand signals but expects contractors to meet deadlines and budget constraints. One example mentioned is Hadrian’s Factory 4 in Alabama, which has received $900 million from the Navy and $1.5 billion from private investment.
This shipbuilding plan arrives as the Navy deals with ongoing delays, production challenges with submarines, aging shipyards, and an increasing need for naval forces in regions like the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Arctic. Its success will not only rely on congressional funding but also on whether U.S. shipyards and suppliers can scale up their capabilities quickly enough to turn the concept of the Golden Fleet into reality.