
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said the new Navy future fleet plan calls for over 500 manned and unmanned ships by 2045, including more attack submarines, adding light aircraft carriers and fewer nuclear-powered carriers, and many unmanned vessels. Speaking during an event at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments on Tuesday, Esper called this plan Battle Force 2045. “Battle Force 2045 calls for a more balanced Navy of over 500 manned and unmanned ships. Further, we will reach 355…