Building a New Battleship in the United States: Practical Considerations and Future Possibilities

If a new battleship were to be built in the United States, there are a few key factors to consider regarding where the construction would take place, the type of battleship being built, and the technological and strategic implications. This article explores these aspects, focusing on American shipyards and potential designs.

Where Would It Happen?

A number of shipyards in the United States are capable of handling the construction of a new battleship. Two notable examples are the Newport News Shipbuilding in Hampton, Virginia, and the Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. These facilities have the necessary infrastructure, technological expertise, and experience to undertake such a significant maritime project.

Concrete Shipyard Selection

While Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia and Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi are widely recognized, there are other shipyards that could also handle a battleship build. Each shipyard has its unique strengths and limitations:

Newport News Shipbuilding: Known for constructing large vessels, including aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. This shipyard has a proud history of building battleships, such as the USS Iowa class, and is well-equipped to take on a similar project. Ingalls Shipyard: Specializes in the construction of medium and large warships. This facility has experience with complex shipbuilding projects and would be capable of constructing a large battleship. Michoud Shipbuilding in Louisiana: While less known for battleship construction, it has the capability to handle large-scale shipbuilding projects. Its history includes building the space shuttle external tank and other significant maritime projects. South Korean Shipyard Yesco: Though not in the United States, this facility has the capability and technology to contribute to the construction of advanced naval vessels. However, for a U.S.-based project, local shipyards in the U.S. are preferred.

Design Concepts for the New Battleship

There are multiple design concepts that could be considered for the new battleship. Each concept presents different advantages and challenges:

The Classic Battleship Concept

One idea would be to revamp the traditional battleship design, featuring a combination of large-caliber guns and missile systems. A modern iteration could look something like the proposed 1990s Iowa-class battleship refit, which would include:

9 X 16-inch guns 8 X 5-inch guns 96 X Tomahawk missiles in vertical launch tubes

While this design offers a blend of firepower and missile capabilities, it may not be the most cost-effective or practical option for today's naval fleet. The integration of modern technology and munitions is crucial, but the overall expense and maintenance requirements must be considered.

The Arsenal Ship Concept

Another concept is the arsenal ship, which shifts away from a traditional gun-based design. This design focuses thoroughly on missile and guided weapons, with a reduced or eliminated gun battery. An example of this concept is the arsenal ship proposed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which would feature:

Several hundred vertical launch tubes for short-range and cruise missiles

The closest real-world equivalent to this concept would be the Soviet Union's late Cold War Kirov-class battlecruisers. An arsenal ship would excel in anti-ship and anti-air warfare, providing a versatile platform for maritime defense without the need for large-caliber guns.

The Modernized Kentucky-Class Concept

A third idea is to modernize the concept of the Kentucky-class guided missile battleship. Originally intended to be an Iowa-class battleship, she was left incomplete during World War II. In the 1950s, the Navy considered refitting her with missile launchers. A modern version would feature:

Vertically-launched missiles to replace the original guns

While the U.S. Navy has formally ruled out the construction of a new battleship, the concept of an arsenal ship continues to gain traction. The focus on missile systems and guided weapons aligns with current naval strategies, offering a cost-effective and technologically advanced alternative to the traditional battleship design.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to the arsenal ship concept, the classic battleship and the Kentucky-class modernized designs offer additional capabilities. However, the cost and maintenance of such large-caliber weapons, along with logistical challenges, make these designs less appealing. The arsenal ship provides a robust, missile-focused platform that can perform a wide range of naval tasks, from anti-ship and anti-air warfare to maritime defense operations.

Additionally, the redesign and construction of a battleship would require significant funding, resources, and time. The U.S. Navy has acknowledged the need for modernization and advancements in naval technology, but the question of whether a new battleship is truly necessary is open to debate.

Conclusion

While the construction of a new battleship in the United States presents both challenges and opportunities, the arsenal ship concept offers a practical and strategic alternative. As naval technology continues to evolve, the role of advanced missile systems and guided weapon platforms becomes increasingly significant. Whether or not a new battleship is built, the future of the U.S. Navy will likely involve a focus on missile defense and lethality, as seen in the growing arsenal ship projects.