Trump Battleships Get Megawatt Lasers: Naval Revolution

A new wave of naval warfare innovation is on the horizon as President Trump’s proposed Trump-class battleships could soon be equipped with megawatt lasers.

Story Highlights

Trump-class battleships may feature cutting-edge megawatt laser weapons.
Navy leadership emphasizes lasers’ “infinite magazine” advantage.
Technical challenges remain for integrating high-power lasers.
Potential nuclear propulsion could power these advanced systems.

Trump-Class Battleships: A New Era of Naval Defense

The U.S. Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Daryl Caudle, has advocated for a transformative step in naval defense by proposing the integration of megawatt-class laser weapons on future Trump-class battleships. These lasers are designed to counter threats like drones and missiles, offering an “infinite magazine” advantage over traditional munitions. This development ties into President Trump’s recently announced “Golden Fleet,” aiming to revitalize U.S. naval power with technologically advanced ships.

President Trump announced the Trump-class battleship program on December 22, 2025, with the USS Defiant (BBG-1) as a flagship featuring initial laser specifications. Adm. Caudle reiterated support for these megawatt lasers at the Surface Navy Association symposium on January 14, 2026, highlighting their potential to significantly enhance naval defense. However, the implementation of such high-power weapons faces engineering challenges, particularly in power density and form factor.

The Technological and Strategic Implications

Integrating megawatt lasers into the Trump-class battleships could represent a significant leap in naval capabilities. These advanced weapons are expected to provide a robust point defense against modern threats, ensuring missile reserves are preserved for higher-end threats. The potential for nuclear propulsion in these vessels could address the power demands of such energy-intensive systems.

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Despite the challenges, the pursuit of directed energy weapons (DEWs) aligns with global military trends, as nations like China and Israel advance their laser capabilities. The U.S. aims to maintain its strategic edge through innovations like those proposed for the Trump-class. The development of lasers such as HELIOS and ODIN serves as a foundation for achieving megawatt-scale capabilities, although operational deployment remains aspirational at this stage.

Broader Impacts and Future Considerations

The introduction of megawatt lasers on Trump-class battleships could have profound implications for naval warfare. In the short term, it may boost funding for DEW programs and shift focus towards offensive capabilities, such as anti-ship missiles. In the long term, if realized, these systems could redefine naval defense against saturation attacks. However, the costs and technical risks associated with nuclear propulsion and high-power lasers must be carefully managed to ensure strategic and economic viability.

Trump Class Battleships Could Get Megawatt Lasers: Navy’s Top Officerhttps://t.co/7gAwQEn8TE

— NOSI – Naval Open Source Intelligence (@nosintel) January 15, 2026

Navy crews would benefit from enhanced defense mechanisms, while adversaries could face significant challenges in countering these advanced systems. Economically, shipbuilders and defense contractors stand to gain from increased demand for cutting-edge naval technology. As the global race for DEWs accelerates, the Trump administration’s commitment to innovative naval solutions underscores its focus on maintaining U.S. maritime dominance.