US President Donald Trump has suggested that South Korean shipbuilders might significantly contribute to the modernization and expansion of the US Navy, hinting at the potential acquisition of ships constructed abroad. At the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump underscored the necessity of reinforcing the United States’ aging naval fleet. He mentioned that Washington is exploring increased collaboration with companies from South Korea and other nations.
In particular, Trump announced plans to construct two National Security Multi-Mission Vessels at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, a project valued at around $1.5 billion. This statement comes as part of an ongoing trend of enhanced defense cooperation between the US and South Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently disclosed that Trump had inquired whether South Korea could swiftly build 10 naval vessels for the US, an issue that was further explored during recent international discussions.
The US Pentagon and Navy have been engaging with leading South Korean shipbuilders, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, to evaluate their proficiency in designing and constructing combat ships. Hanwha, having acquired shipyard facilities in Philadelphia in 2024, is well-positioned to benefit from this partnership and is actively seeking licenses to build military ships within the US. Meanwhile, companies like HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries are strengthening their alliances with American firms to penetrate the US naval shipbuilding market.
Despite the potential for increased collaboration, significant legal hurdles must be addressed. Current US regulations prohibit the construction of Navy vessels outside the country, which means any foreign production would necessitate either legislative approval or special exemptions. This legal framework presents a challenge for turning these cooperative intentions into actionable projects.
