WASHINGTON — May 28, 2026 : Members of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee (HASC) are moving to restrict the U.S. Navy from beginning construction of the first Trump-class nuclear-powered battleship until key onboard weapon systems are proven technologically mature, according to draft provisions included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The proposed measure would prevent the Secretary of the Navy from entering into any contract or agreement involving construction work for the lead ship of the battleship program unless congressional defense committees are formally certified that the planned weapon systems have reached a “sufficiently mature technology readiness level.” The restriction reflects growing congressional scrutiny over the integration of highly advanced systems into one of the Navy’s most expensive future surface combatants.
If enacted, the requirement could delay construction of the program’s first vessel by several years, forcing the Navy to demonstrate the operational readiness of major systems before proceeding with shipbuilding contracts.
Congressional Technology Readiness Requirement
The draft FY2027 NDAA provision specifically bars the Navy from signing contracts related to the construction of the lead Trump-class battleship until certification is provided to Congress regarding the maturity of planned weapons technologies. While lawmakers did not define precise readiness metrics or publicly identify every system under review, the scrutiny is primarily aimed at the ship’s proposed directed-energy weapons and electromagnetic railgun.
The legislation represents a broader congressional effort to reduce procurement risks associated with integrating developmental technologies into large-scale defense programs before they are fully tested or operationally validated.
Trump-Class Battleship Program
Announced by President Donald Trump in December 2025 under the administration’s “Golden Fleet” initiative, the Trump-class battleship — identified in Navy planning documents as BBG(X) or BBGN — is envisioned as a nuclear-powered guided-missile surface combatant designed to provide long-range strike capability, endurance, and increased combat mass.
The lead ship, planned as USS Defiant (BBG-1), is expected to displace approximately 35,000 tons and is estimated to cost between $17.6 billion and $18.9 billion. Procurement of the first vessel is currently targeted for Fiscal Year 2028, while delivery is projected around Fiscal Year 2036. The Navy’s long-range shipbuilding plan estimates the first three ships could cost approximately $43.5 billion in total.
The battleship is expected to use an A1B nuclear reactor similar to that aboard Ford-class aircraft carriers, providing the power generation capacity necessary for advanced combat systems and extended operational endurance.
Planned Weapons And Integration Challenges
According to Navy planning documents, the Trump-class would carry a large Vertical Launch System (VLS) array designed to deploy a mix of conventional and nuclear-capable weapons, including the Surface Launch Cruise Missile-Nuclear (SLCM-N) and hypersonic Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) missiles.
In addition to missile systems, the ship is planned to include a 32-megajoule electromagnetic railgun, high-power laser directed-energy systems for close-in defense, and two conventional 5-inch naval guns. Congressional concern, however, is centered largely on the technical maturity of the railgun and laser systems, which remain developmental technologies.
The Navy’s railgun development effort, active between 2005 and 2021, encountered repeated technical challenges involving power requirements, barrel degradation, and delays to planned sea-based testing. The program was ultimately shelved in 2021, with the BAE Systems-developed prototype moved to storage at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
Limited railgun testing resumed at White Sands in February 2025, though it remains unclear whether the Navy intends to revive the previous design or pursue an entirely new system for the Trump-class. Defense contractor General Atomics has publicly expressed interest in supporting future railgun development for the battleship program.
Additional Scrutiny On The FF(X) Frigate
The draft FY2027 NDAA also includes provisions targeting the Navy’s FF(X) frigate program. Lawmakers are seeking to compel the Navy to submit, within 180 days, a strategy outlining future subvariants of the frigate, including options for versions equipped with an integrated Vertical Launch System (VLS).
The requirement follows recent scrutiny of the frigate’s combat capability after confirmation that the initial FF(X) design — based on the Legend-class National Security Cutter — will not include a built-in VLS and will instead rely on containerized payload systems. Critics have questioned whether the platform will provide sufficient offensive lethality without a dedicated missile-launch capability.
Oversight Of Future Fleet Programs
The proposed NDAA provisions signal increasing congressional oversight of major Navy modernization efforts, particularly programs dependent on advanced or developmental technologies. Both the Trump-class battleship and FF(X) frigate are positioned as key elements of the Navy’s future fleet architecture, but lawmakers are seeking greater assurance that technical, cost, and integration risks are sufficiently addressed before large-scale procurement begins.
The draft NDAA will continue through committee review and congressional floor consideration in the coming months, during which lawmakers may revise, expand, or remove provisions affecting future Navy shipbuilding priorities.
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