Analysts have estimated the cost of Donald Trump's initiated 'Golden Fleet' program: its implementation will cost approximately $275 billion by 2056. The cost of the lead ship is projected to be $23 billion, which could become a record figure in the history of U.S. military vessels. Experts also do not rule out the possibility of cost overruns, which could affect the funding of other naval force programs.
According to a report from the U.S. Congressional Budget Office, the program to build the 'Golden Fleet,' consisting of 15 nuclear submarines, will be implemented from 2027 to 2056 and will cost approximately $275 billion in total.
'The total cost of the program for creating new nuclear submarines for the naval forces will be around $275 billion from 2027 to 2056,' the report states.
Analysts estimate that the cost of constructing the first ship in the series will reach about $23 billion, while the average cost of the remaining 14 ships will be around $18 billion each. All ships are expected to be delivered for operation by 2056.
Bloomberg notes that with such expenses, these ships will become the most expensive military vessels in U.S. history. Experts also warn that potential budget overruns could limit funding for other fleet programs.
Donald Trump announced the creation of the 'new Golden Fleet' in December 2025. According to him, he personally participated in the design of the new class of submarines that bear his name.
In June, Trump urged Republicans to expedite the passage of a $350 billion budget bill that includes additional defense spending. According to the president, this will allow the U.S. military budget to reach $1.5 trillion, part of which will be allocated to fund the 'Golden Fleet' program.
