making them among the most expensive American warships ever. The first of the nuclear-powered battleships would cost about $23.4 billion in 2026 dollars, while subsequent ships, which would be purchased through 2056, would average $18 billion, the CBO said in a report.

In comparison, the USS Gerald R. Ford -- the world's largest aircraft carrier -- cost about $13.3 billion in 2008 dollars, or over $20 billion when adjusted for inflation. US President Donald Trump announced plans for the new class of warships named after himself -- an honor usually reserved for leaders who have left office -- in December 2025. They will be heavily armed, carrying anti-air and land-attack missiles, hypersonic weapons, nuclear cruise missiles, lasers and a railgun, CBO said.

The Trump-class ships will be substantially larger than existing US destroyers and cruisers, but their projected displacement is somewhat smaller than the last American battleships -- from the Iowa class -- which were retired in the 1990s.  Washington has fallen significantly behind Beijing when it comes to the number of ships in its navy, and a report to Congress last year noted that US military officials and other observers are concerned by the pace of China's shipbuilding efforts. (Bssnews)