US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in involving South Korean shipbuilders in the modernization and expansion of the United States Navy, hinting at the potential purchase of ships constructed outside American borders. During the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump emphasized the importance of revitalizing the nation’s aging naval fleet and noted that the US is exploring increased collaboration with South Korean companies and others internationally.
Part of this collaboration includes plans to construct two National Security Multi-Mission Vessels at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, a project valued at around $1.5 billion. This development is part of the broader growing defense cooperation between the US and South Korea. In related discussions, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung revealed that Trump had inquired about South Korea’s capability to quickly build ten naval vessels for the US, a topic that was further explored during recent international meetings.
The Pentagon and the US Navy have reached out to major South Korean shipbuilders, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, to evaluate their expertise in designing and building combat ships. Among these, Hanwha is particularly well-positioned to benefit from this partnership, having acquired shipyard facilities in Philadelphia in 2024 and pursuing licenses to manufacture military ships within the United States. Concurrently, HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries have extended their partnerships with American firms to make inroads into the US naval shipbuilding market.
However, despite these collaborative efforts, significant legal challenges remain. Current US regulations prohibit the construction of Navy vessels outside the country, meaning any move towards overseas production would necessitate either legislative approval or special exemptions. These restrictions highlight the complexities involved in expanding international cooperation in US military shipbuilding.