Adm. Daryl Caudle, the U.S. Navy’s chief of naval operations, said defense spending should be reset to a minimum of 4 percent of gross domestic product to support readiness requirements and fleet growth needed to counter future threats, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday.
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How Does the Current Budget Compare to GDP?
The defense budget currently stands at nearly $1 trillion, representing roughly 3.3 to 3.4 percent of the nation’s GDP. Caudle noted that potential increases discussed by President Donald Trump, including an additional $500 billion in fiscal 2027, could raise defense spending to about 5 percent of GDP. Despite current funding levels, the Navy has struggled to expand beyond roughly 300 ships, falling short of its goal of 355 ships.
What Is the Golden Fleet Initiative?
Caudle linked funding needs to the Navy’s Golden Fleet vision, announced in December, which includes new ship classes such as a next-generation battleship, redesigned frigates and expanded use of unmanned systems. He said the initiative is intended to complement, not replace, existing programs and will require a Navy budget aligned with its mission set.
How Could Shipbuilding Capacity Be Expanded?
To execute future shipbuilding plans, Caudle said the Navy and industry must adopt new approaches, including modular shipbuilding, supply chain improvements and workforce development. He added that expanding modular construction could allow more U.S. shipyards to participate and increase production speed. Caudle also said foreign shipbuilders could help add capacity, though such partnerships would require careful consideration of supply chain access and integration challenges.
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