Which classes of warships dominate modern navies today? The trend is clear: the spotlight has shifted to missile destroyers and frigates. Their greatest strengths are mobility, relatively affordable cost, and the ability to carry a formidable arsenal of precision-guided weapons, from cruise missiles to anti-ship missiles. Against this backdrop, the once-mighty giants—aircraft carriers and missile cruisers—are gradually losing the prominence they once enjoyed.
It brings to mind the "golden age" of naval warfare, when the seas were ruled by colossal warships stretching hundreds of meters in length, bristling with guns of every caliber. The comparison to modern sharks and their ancient ancestor, the megalodon, is hard to resist: paradoxical as it may sound, even an ocean of endless horizons is no place for giants to reign forever.
But what if capital ships were to make a comeback? What would they need to become in order to meet the harsh demands of modern naval warfare? Meet today's featured vessel—the newest contender for the role of this "reborn" giant!
Historical Background
USS Defiant (BBG-1) is the latest missile battleship project of the Trump class, featuring a massive hull, an impressive arsenal of cutting-edge weaponry, and advanced experimental combat systems. The ship is equipped with a layered defense network that provides exceptional resilience against large-scale attacks from any direction, making it one of the most powerful and technologically advanced warships in its class.
Unveiled in December 2025, USS Defiant will serve as the lead ship of the future Trump class, taking center stage in the U.S. Navy's modernization program. The concept boldly combines the legendary durability of the great gun battleships of the past with the immense capabilities of modern missile and directed-energy weapon systems.
Published specifications promise nothing short of a revolution: Trump-class battleships are expected to feature universal vertical launch systems capable of deploying an extensive range of missiles, alongside advanced laser weapons and electromagnetic railguns. Completing this formidable package is a next-generation layered air and missile defense system. Widely regarded as one of the boldest projects in American naval engineering, the Trump class is set to establish entirely new standards for large surface combatants in the 21st century.
Gameplay
An important note: although USS Defiant (BBG-1) is expected to be classified as a battleship, our engineers have currently implemented it as a cruiser. This vessel is designed to eliminate modern combat ships, while the classic "gun giants" of the past have long since faded into history. Across the seas of Modern Warships, it may face formidable opponents such as RF Kronshtadt or CN Huaqing (BBE-01), so captains should be prepared.
That said, don't underestimate this ship—its arsenal surpasses not only that of destroyers but also many modern cruisers. Its layered air defense system ensures that enemy aircraft will have no easy time, while the Breakwater grenade launcher and Ocean Guard autocannons provide reliable protection against underwater threats. The ship's true pride, however, is its artillery. In addition to two standard Mark 45 Mod 4 naval guns (which can be replaced with any compatible alternatives), the vessel is armed with the powerful ultra-long-range Defiant MJ32 railgun. Its incredible projectile velocity and exceptional accuracy make it a truly versatile weapon at any combat distance.
So how do you get the most out of this cruiser-battleship hybrid? It performs best at long range. Fighting from a distance gives your air defenses more time to intercept incoming missiles while allowing the autocannons to neutralize torpedoes before they reach you. The ship's weapon layout naturally encourages this playstyle: equip heavy-caliber guns in the dual gun slot, and their synchronized salvo combined with the deck-mounted railgun will deliver firepower comparable to the legendary battleships of the past. Add a well-balanced missile loadout and make full use of the grenade launcher, and your opponents will be in serious trouble!
Armament
Missile Battery (ASM) — RIM-161 (SM-3) [x2]
Cannon — Defiant MJ32 [x1]🔒
Cannon — Mark 45 Mod 4 (127 mm) [x2]
Grenade Launcher — Breakwater [x4]🔒
Helicopter — RAH-66 Comanche [x1]
Autocannon — Ocean Guard [x2]🔒
Air Defense — Sea RAM [x3]
Air Defense — Sea RAM [x2]
Air Defense — RIM-200T [x2]🔒
Air Defense — RIM-156B [x1]🔒
Summary
USS Defiant (BBG-1) is destined to become a standout addition to the collection of every admirer of modern naval design and an excellent choice for captains who prefer keeping their enemies at a safe distance. Thanks to its abundance of defensive systems, the ship is forgiving even for less experienced players. More than just a powerful warship, it represents the triumphant return of the "giants" to the battlefield—a vessel ready not only to claim a place among the very best, but to redefine the rules of naval combat and earn its title as the new terror of the modern seas.