US President Donald Trump has suggested that shipbuilders in South Korea might significantly contribute to the modernization and expansion of the United States Navy. This proposal hints at the potential purchase of ships constructed outside the US, a move that would mark a notable shift in naval procurement strategies. Speaking at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump underscored the urgency of revamping the country’s aging naval fleet. He mentioned that Washington is exploring the possibility of enhanced collaboration with South Korean companies, among others.
During his address, Trump also announced plans for the construction of two National Security Multi-Mission Vessels at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, a project estimated to be worth around $1.5 billion. This development occurs in the context of increasing defense ties between the United States and South Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently disclosed that Trump had inquired whether South Korea could rapidly build 10 vessels for the US Navy, a topic that has been further discussed in recent international meetings.
The US Pentagon, along with the Navy, has been reaching out to some of South Korea’s major shipbuilders like HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean. They are gathering information to evaluate these companies’ capabilities in designing and constructing combat ships. Hanwha stands to gain significantly from this potential partnership, having acquired shipyard facilities in Philadelphia in 2024 and seeking licenses to produce military ships within the United States. Meanwhile, HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries have been strengthening their collaborations with American firms to enter the US naval shipbuilding sector.
Despite these growing ties, there are substantial legal hurdles to overcome. Current US regulations prohibit the construction of Navy vessels outside the nation, which means that any foreign production would necessitate legislative approval or special exemptions. As such, while the possibility of South Korean involvement in US naval expansion is on the horizon, significant regulatory challenges remain to be addressed.