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US President Donald Trump leaves after announcing the US Navy’s new Golden Fleet initiative, unveiling a new class of warships, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 22, 2025. President Donald Trump on December 22 announced a new class of heavily armed warships that will be named after himself — an honor usually reserved for US leaders who have left office. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images)

Trump, Navy leaders reveal plans for new battleships armed with nukes, lasers, railguns and hypersonic missiles. Analysts anticipate problems.

Their ambitious vision for the platform could run into a variety of technological and budgetary challenges, analysts say.
US President Joe Biden (5- R) and Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz (C), tour Israel’s Iron Beam laser defence system at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on July 13, 2022, with caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid (4- R), Israeli expert on technology and innovation Daniel Gold (4- L), Israeli army Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi (5- L) and US Defence Attache in Israel, Brigadier General Shawn A. Harris (3-R). (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

US to give Israel $1.2B for Iron Beam laser weapon

The 100-kilowatt system is designed to defeat a variety of threats such as rockets, artillery, mortars and drones.
GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 14, 2021) — Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on a static surface training target, Dec. 14, while sailing in the Gulf of Aden. The photograph was captured utilizing a short wave infrared lens and optical filter. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Kates)

Pentagon’s directed energy guru sees ‘uncomfortable choices’ ahead for military commanders

"One of the biggest challenges is simply that early part of the decision-making in that counter kill chain," according to the DOD's principal director for directed energy.
US President Joe Biden (L) listens to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he joins a meeting of the Israeli war cabinet in Tel Aviv on October 18, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

White House requesting funding for Israeli laser weapon, other military assistance

The 100-kilowatt laser is designed to intercept a wide range of threats such as rockets, artillery, mortars and drones.
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