The US President wants to update the composition of the national Navy and turn it into a 'Golden Fleet' suitable for countering China and other potential future threats, writes The Wall Street Journal citing sources. As the publication notes, discussions are at an early stage and Donald Trump, who previously criticized US warships, is personally involved in the development of the project.
Currently, the US Navy mainly consists of destroyers, cruisers, aircraft carriers, submarines, and amphibious ships, the publication notes. It is expected that the 'Golden Fleet' will include large military ships equipped with long-range missiles. In addition, the White House and the Pentagon have begun negotiations on the creation of a new heavily armored ship that can carry hypersonic missiles.
Retired naval officer Brian Clark, who is participating in the discussions, told the newspaper that the US plans to focus on a fleet of about 280–300 ships plus numerous unmanned vessels.
As WSJ notes, the name — 'Golden Fleet' — echoes other US President's initiatives: the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system project and the accelerated visa program 'Golden Card' for investments of a million dollars.
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