In a move that could reshape naval collaborations, US President Donald Trump has suggested that South Korean shipbuilders might significantly contribute to the modernization and expansion of the US Navy. This development, disclosed during his address at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, opens the door to the possibility of acquiring naval ships constructed outside the United States. Trump emphasized the urgency of updating the nation’s aging naval fleet and mentioned that discussions are underway about enhanced cooperation with South Korean companies and others globally.
A key component of this cooperation involves the construction of two National Security Multi-Mission Vessels at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, with an estimated project cost of $1.5 billion. This initiative aligns with the broader pattern of growing defense ties between the United States and South Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently shared that Trump had inquired about South Korea’s capacity to rapidly build ten US naval ships, a topic that was further explored during recent international discussions.
The US Department of Defense and the Navy have been actively gathering information from leading South Korean shipbuilders, such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, to evaluate their expertise in designing and constructing combat vessels. Hanwha, which acquired shipyard facilities in Philadelphia in 2024, is seen as a frontrunner to capitalize on this partnership, particularly as it seeks licenses to produce military ships within the United States. Concurrently, HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries are forging alliances with American companies to gain a foothold in the US naval shipbuilding sector.
Despite these promising developments, the path to expanded cooperation faces notable legal challenges. Current US laws impose restrictions on constructing naval ships outside the United States, meaning any such ventures would necessitate legislative approval or special exemptions. However, the efforts to deepen ties with South Korean shipbuilders indicate a potential shift in US naval strategy, aiming to leverage international expertise to bolster its naval capabilities.