US launches $6.6bn advanced nuclear submarine project to counter China

US President Donald Trump has announced the launch of the largest military project to build an arsenal of advanced nuclear submarines, in partnership with the private sector, with a value of $6.6 billion.

The project aims to strengthen US capabilities in response to China’s growing dominance in nuclear submarine production, according to an intelligence report cited by Bloomberg.

The US plan involves constructing the massive "Arsenal-2" complex, utilizing artificial intelligence and 3D printing technologies.

These technologies are intended to overcome supply chain challenges and accelerate the construction of complex submarine structures.

US Navy leaders have stated that the project is designed to prevent Beijing from turning the western Pacific into a military exclusion zone, and to close the production gap with China before 2030.

Trump previously announced the creation of a new shipyard in Baltimore, which he said would be the largest of its kind in the United States, with investments totaling $6.6 billion.

Trump’s announcement of the shipyard, to be named "Arsenal-2" and dedicated to producing submarines and their components and unmanned underwater vehicles, was made during a ceremony at the future project site in Sparoz Point, Maryland, attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Trump said: "Today we are officially launching the construction of the largest new shipyard in the United States. We have not seen anything like what we are doing today since World War II."

He noted that the new shipyard, funded by the US Navy and Anduril—which will build and operate the site—will bring significant benefits to Baltimore, particularly in terms of job creation.

He added: "In a tremendous victory for our country and for the city of Baltimore, Anduril is investing $3.7 billion in a highly advanced shipyard that will forever be known as Arsenal-2."