Breaking Defense is reporting that President Donald J Trump has issued several directives impacting naval policy and shipbuilding. It said Trump has called for outsourcing the construction of some Navy ships to foreign shipyards and ordered the return of steam catapults on aircraft carriers. The outlet also reported that a National Security Presidential Memorandum disclosed plans for a fifth public shipyard, though analysts anticipate cost and workforce hurdles. Additionally, the memo called for a new component repair center to address submarine repair delays. A Heritage Foundation study cited by Breaking Defense indicates a significant decrease in U.S. military transits through the Taiwan Strait under the second Trump administration.
Separately, Breaking Defense said the White House's new National Security Science & Technology Strategy prioritizes military technology in undersea, outer space and artificial intelligence, with quantum and biotech identified as longer-term areas.
The Navy has cleared an upgrade for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, with manufacturer Northrop Grumman expected to deliver revamped Block II aircraft by the end of the decade. Breaking Defense also reported that the RIMPAC exercise is testing 3D-printed parts to address potential repair and resupply challenges in a high-intensity Indo-Pacific conflict. Saildrone is expanding its European production, with plans for its Spectre and Surveyor models in the Netherlands and Norway, respectively. Raytheon secured a $23 billion contract to boost Tomahawk missile production, and the Pentagon inked framework deals with RTX and Boeing for critical SM-3 missile components.
CENTCOM has launched a multinational one-way attack drone force, utilizing unmanned systems from various domains with support from the United States and regional partners.