US President Donald Trump recently announced the development of a new class of warships, the Trump-class battleships, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. These vessels, weighing between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, will feature advanced weaponry including hypersonic missiles, electromagnetic railguns, and laser systems, with the aim of enhancing US naval capabilities amid growing concerns regarding China’s naval expansion. The Trump-class ships, envisioned as part of the ‘Golden Fleet’ initiative, are intended to restore American maritime dominance and will initially comprise two ships, with plans to eventually expand the fleet to up to 25 hulls. From an Indian strategic perspective, the increase in US naval power could strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the importance for India to accelerate its own naval modernization efforts to ensure regional security and maintain a balance of power against rising maritime threats.