US Naval Power Projection has taken an important step forward with the delivery of USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) from HII Ingalls Shipbuilding on January 2, 2026, marking an important step toward full deployment. Dock and sea trials conducted before full deployment proved the ships effectiveness and capabilities.
US Navy Accepts Ted Stevens (DDG 128)
This delivery signifies the continued momentum in the Arleigh Burke program, especially as production for Flight III variants with enhanced capabilities increases. Brian Blanchette, President of Ingalls Shipbuilding, highlighted these ships' significant contribution in strengthening US maritime security over many decades; to date HII has delivered 36 ships through this program while seven more vessels are under various stages of construction.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers form the backbone of the US Navys surface fleet, equipped with advanced Aegis combat systems, vertical launch systems for multi-mission roles and cutting-edge radar and sensor suites. With USS Ted Stevens entering service this year, their capabilities extend globally for air defense, ballistic missile defense and anti-surface warfare operations.
Japan Approves Record FY2026 Defense Budget
On December 26th 2025, Japan approved an unprecedented $58 billion (9.04 trillion yen) defense budget for fiscal year 2026 to address growing military tensions across its borders. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) secured funds for multiple vessel constructions and key procurements such as SHIELD national multilayered coastal defense system which received $640.65 million allocation.
SHIELD (Synchronized Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense) will consist of ship-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), small ship-based UAVs and unmanned surface vessels (USVs). These systems from foreign manufacturers aim to improve intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike capabilities against enemy vessels. Twelve Sakura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) with V-BAT UAVs are expected to be delivered over the next decade.
Also included in the budget are allocations totaling $510 million for preparations and tests of two Aegis System Equipped Vessels (ASEVs), designed as alternatives to land-based Aegis Ashore systems that were cancelled earlier. Furthermore, $182.4 million has been set aside to modify Izumo and Kaga-class helicopter carriers specifically to support F-35B operations, including deck status lights and landing guidance systems for F-35B operations. Furthermore, Myoko (DDG-175) and Atago (DDG-177) Aegis destroyers have enhanced Tomahawk launch capabilities by upgrading prior upgrades on three other ships prior to this budget announcement.
US Icebreaker Fleet Expansion Gains Momentum
Leading up to 2026, the United States is prioritizing rebuilding its icebreaker fleet under the trilateral agreement between Finland, Canada and the US called ICE Pact, initiated during prior administrations but continued under current President Trump. Congress provided substantial funding in order to secure four ships from Finland while encouraging domestic production.
Canadas Davie, one of the new market entrants, is making significant investments, such as their planned purchase of Gulf Copper shipyards in Texas and upgrading icebreaker construction capacity by investing $1 billion. Davie Defense was set up specifically to manage US operations - signalling growth within American maritime industrial base.
Implications for Global Maritime Security
These developments mark an increased global focus on naval modernization amid strategic competitions. For instance, US Naval Destroyer Delivery and Icebreaker Initiatives strengthen Arctic and Blue Water Operations while Japans budget provides Indo-Pacific deterrence through unmanned systems, carrier conversions, and missile upgrades - which will greatly benefit industry players such as HII as well as international partners like them.