US President Donald Trump wants to modernize the country's Navy and turn it into a “Golden Fleet“, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing its sources.
According to the sources, White House and Navy officials are discussing the possibility of replacing the existing fleet with a new one that would be better able to counter China and potential threats. The publication notes that the discussions are in the early stages with the participation of Trump.
Currently, the US Navy consists mainly of destroyers, cruisers, aircraft carriers, submarines and landing ships, the newspaper notes. The “Golden Fleet“ is expected to include large warships armed with long-range missiles.
In addition, the White House and the Pentagon have begun discussions about creating a new, heavily armored ship capable of carrying hypersonic missiles.
Washington expects the fleet to consist of 280 to 300 ships, as well as “a large number of unmanned vessels“. The publication did not provide a timeline for this plan or its cost.