US Navy pursues ‘Golden Fleet’ to counter China’s naval growth

The United States Navy is pursuing a naval expansion strategy known as the ‘Golden Fleet’ to address the growing numerical advantage of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). While the US has historically relied on superior quality and capability to offset the PLAN’s larger hull count, officials note that the scale of the Chinese fleet—projected to reach 435 ships by 2030—necessitates a focus on quantity.

A central component of this strategy is the commissioning of a new class of frigates, designated FF(X). These vessels are intended to be built at scale and will be based on the Coast Guard’s Legend-class National Security Cutter. The Navy envisages building between 50 and 65 of these frigates. The lead ship is expected to be a sole-source award to Huntington Ingalls Industries, with the first hull planned for launch in 2028. The Golden Fleet initiative also includes a Trump-class battleship.