Recently, the U.S. Navy announced the development of a new class of battleships, designated as the 'Trump class,' which the Navy claims will be the most lethal surface combatant ever built. This initiative is presented as a means to enhance American shipbuilding capabilities, with President Trump expressing a personal interest in the design process. However, critics suggest that the focus may be more on aesthetics than on effectively addressing contemporary maritime threats.

In a significant development, Ukraine's military has begun utilizing domestically produced naval drones, known as Sea Baby, to target oil tankers in the Black Sea and beyond. These operations have successfully damaged vessels linked to a shadow fleet that continues to transport Russian oil despite international sanctions. Disrupting this supply chain is viewed as a critical strategy for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

The ongoing conflict, which escalated with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, has underscored the fragility of post-World War II maritime norms. Historically, civilian shipping has been a target during wartime, and advancements in long-range anti-ship technology have made it increasingly feasible for nations with limited naval capabilities, like Ukraine, to challenge larger adversaries.

The targeting of civilian vessels was prevalent during the world wars, with significant campaigns aimed at crippling commercial shipping. The Allies adapted their strategies to protect merchant vessels through convoy systems and technological advancements, ultimately leading to the decline of submarine threats. However, the current geopolitical landscape suggests that the risk to civilian shipping is re-emerging, with approximately 90 percent of global trade reliant on maritime transport.

Ukraine's recent military actions signal a potential shift in how state-to-state conflicts may unfold, with implications for global shipping and trade. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles and anti-ship missiles has already demonstrated effectiveness against Russian naval assets, raising concerns about the vulnerability of merchant shipping in future conflicts.

The challenges of defending maritime trade extend to military vessels as well. The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier battle groups, while technologically advanced and costly, face vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversaries employing massed missile and drone attacks. The balance of naval power is shifting towards offensive capabilities, which may have profound implications for international security and economic stability in the event of large-scale conflicts.