The USS Gerald R. Ford is hailed as the most expensive and largest carrier ever built, with a price tag of at least $13 billion. It has the ability to generate enough energy to support high-power lasers and can accommodate more stealth fighters than Russia’s armed forces combined. With a displacement of around 100,000 long tons, it carries a variety of aircraft and uses advanced technology like an electromagnetic aircraft launch system. Equipped with cutting-edge radar systems and missile launchers, the carrier also has plans to mount laser self-defense weapons in the future. Its active service increases the Navy’s carrier force to a total of 11 ships.
US Navy’s Constellation frigate program, which is designed to counter China’s military presence in the Pacific. The program is ongoing with the first ship in construction since 2022, and it is planned to enter service in 2026. The Constellation will be larger and more expensive than the LCS ships, operating primarily in the Pacific against China. The program is a response to the urgent need to prepare for potential military action against China.
The U.S Navy’s new Columbia-class submarine, the largest and most complex ever built, will play a crucial role in intercepting aggressive patrols by adversaries. With a budget of $132 billion, the Navy plans to procure 12 of these submarines to replace the aging Ohio-class subs and maintain its edge against major players like China. Equipped with long-range missiles, twin torpedoes, and the ability to carry conventional guided cruise missiles, the Columbia-class submarine is versatile and serves as a strategic deterrence weapon. Its network-centric warfare system integrates various components, enhancing its capabilities. The submarine’s development and capabilities are highly classified, but it can reach depths of over 800 feet and has a speed of 20+ knots. The Columbia class will also feature a new design of nuclear electric power, eliminating the need for refueling during its lifespan. Its completion in 2031 will likely bring even greater capabilities due to additional years of development.
