President Donald Trump has suggested that South Korean shipbuilding companies may have a more significant role in the expansion and modernization of the United States Navy. This consideration includes the potential purchase of ships constructed outside the United States, a move he hinted at during his speech at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit. President Trump emphasized the necessity of updating the U.S.’s outdated naval fleet, and he noted that there is potential for increased collaboration with South Korean firms and others globally.
Trump also announced plans to construct 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 against a backdrop of strengthening defense ties between the United States and South Korea. Recently, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung disclosed that Trump had inquired about South Korea’s ability to rapidly produce 10 naval ships for the U.S. Navy, a topic that has been under discussion at various international forums.
In line with these developments, both the Pentagon and the U.S. Navy have reached out to leading South Korean shipbuilders like HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean to evaluate their capacities in designing and building combat vessels. Hanwha, in particular, appears to be in a favorable position to capitalize on these partnerships. The company acquired shipyard facilities in Philadelphia in 2024 and is actively seeking licenses to produce military ships within the United States.
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai and Samsung Heavy Industries have been enhancing their collaborations with American enterprises to make inroads into the U.S. naval shipbuilding sector. Despite these burgeoning partnerships, substantial legal challenges persist. Current U.S. laws restrict the construction of Navy ships outside national borders, implying that any overseas manufacturing would necessitate legislative changes or special exemptions to proceed.