Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?
A welder works at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. (Photo: US Navy)
The White House and Congress have been increasing efforts to support the national maritime industry.
Delays and cost over runs recorded in US Navy and Coast Guard’s acquisition programmes alongside the fast growth of the Chinese shipbuilding capacities are in the crosshairs of Washington.
The events have been pushing the US towards seeking ways to support national maritime suppliers better and increase supply chain options for military capabilities.
After issuing on 30 April an executive order to restore America’s maritime dominance, the Trump government released on 2 May the FY2026 preliminary budget request.
Expanding the US shipbuilding capacity by investing in US shipyards and the industrial base, increasing wages and modernising infrastructure are among the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser]()
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
