Navy Plans Major Shipbuilding Surge in 2027 Budget
As the United States evaluates its strategic posture in response to global military developments, the Navy is preparing to significantly boost its shipbuilding ambitions in the upcoming fiscal year. According to an article titled “2027 defense budget could double 2026 ship requests, US Navy secretary says,” published by Military Times, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro revealed that the service is advocating for a 2027 defense budget that could double the number of new ships compared to the 2026 request.
During an address at the National Press Club on February 12, Secretary Del Toro emphasized the need for a substantial investment in naval capabilities to maintain maritime dominance in an increasingly contested global environment. He attributed the drive for increased shipbuilding to rising threats posed by adversaries, particularly China, whose expanding naval power has become a central concern for U.S. defense planners.
In the current 2026 budget proposal, the Navy has requested funding for six ships. Although no specific number was provided for the 2027 push, doubling that request would mark a significant expansion in fleet modernization efforts, suggesting a shift in long-term force structure priorities. This potential upswing coincides with broader discussions within the Pentagon about bolstering deterrence amid escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and persistent challenges from Russia in European waters.
Del Toro pointed to China’s aggressive military build-up and increasing naval incursions into contested territories as primary drivers behind the Navy’s strategy. “Our pacing challenge is China,” he said, underscoring the belief that the U.S. must respond with commensurate maritime capabilities to maintain freedom of navigation and protect allied interests.
While the secretary did not delve into the specifics of which ship classes might be prioritized, the Navy has recently focused on a combination of next-generation destroyers, submarines, and support vessels as part of its long-term fleet architecture. Analysts believe that fast-tracking programs like the DDG(X) destroyer and the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine could feature prominently in any expanded shipbuilding proposal.
However, the effort to grow the fleet faces significant budgetary and industrial challenges. Shipbuilding programs are often beset by delays and cost overruns, and the nation’s shipyards continue to grapple with workforce shortages and strained manufacturing capacity—issues that have raised questions about the Navy’s ability to execute an accelerated building plan.
Secretary Del Toro acknowledged these concerns, stating that the Department of the Navy has been working closely with shipbuilders to increase capacity and improve efficiency across the industrial base. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with Congress and the Department of Defense to secure the needed funding and infrastructure investments to support an increased production tempo.
Lawmakers are expected to scrutinize the Navy’s forthcoming budget submission, especially in light of recent fiscal pressures and competing defense priorities. But Del Toro remained confident in the urgency and strategic necessity of expansion, emphasizing that a robust Navy remains the cornerstone of American power projection and international security in the 21st century.
As deliberations on the 2027 defense budget begin, the Navy’s call for a major shipbuilding surge will likely shape the scope of U.S. military readiness for years to come.
