US President Donald Trump has suggested that shipbuilders from South Korea might have a significant role in upgrading and expanding the US Navy. This proposal includes the potential purchase of ships constructed outside the US. While addressing attendees at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump emphasized the importance of rejuvenating the nation’s aging naval fleet. He mentioned that Washington is exploring the possibility of increased collaboration with South Korean firms, among others, to achieve this goal.
In his remarks, Trump also pointed out plans to construct two National Security Multi-Mission Vessels at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, with the project estimated to be worth around $1.5 billion. This initiative is part of a broader context of intensifying defense cooperation between the US and South Korea. Recently, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung disclosed that Trump inquired if South Korea could rapidly build 10 naval vessels for the US, a topic that has been further discussed during recent international meetings.
The US Department of Defense and the Navy have been engaging with key South Korean shipbuilders, such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, to evaluate their expertise in designing and constructing combat vessels. Hanwha appears to be well-positioned to capitalize on this partnership, having acquired Philadelphia-based shipyard facilities in 2024 and pursuing permits to manufacture military ships in America. Concurrently, HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries have been broadening their partnerships with US companies as they aim to penetrate the US naval shipbuilding market.
Despite these developments, there are substantial legal challenges to overcome. Current US laws restrict the building of Navy ships to domestic facilities, implying that any foreign production would necessitate legislative changes or special exemptions. This regulatory hurdle remains a significant obstacle in the path of implementing Trump’s proposal for foreign-built naval vessels.