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U.S. Navy Seeks Korean Builders for Destroyers, Tankers

7/16/2026

Center

Navy Courts Korea

The Navy’s information request could open the world’s largest naval market to South Korean shipbuilders.
U.S. Navy officials asked Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries for details on destroyers and medium-size tankers.
South Korean yards have built Aegis-equipped destroyers and repaired U.S. Military Sealift Command ships.
The request is under MASGA, which may need congressional approval and joint U.S. yard production.

Right

Trump Mulls Warships

President Donald Trump raised prospect of buying foreign-built ships at the Summit at the Army War College in Pennsylvania.
The administration will probably consider South Korean and other firms for shipbuilding cooperation, but any foreign-built warship requires congressional approval.
Trump noted aging Navy needs new vessels despite United States having world’s largest navy.
An official said Trump had not dismissed U.S. warships in South Korea after G7 summit.

History

Historical Context

India’s 2022 $9.2 billion contract with France’s Naval Group for two destroyers marked a shift toward foreign-built warships, echoing its earlier reliance on French Rafale jets and the ongoing Project 18A Next-Generation Destroyer programme. The U.S. Navy’s request for South Korean shipyards under MASGA follows this trend, seeking allied builders to modernise an aging fleet.

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Navy Courts Korea

The Navy’s information request could open the world’s largest naval market to South Korean shipbuilders.
U.S. Navy officials asked Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries for details on destroyers and medium-size tankers.
South Korean yards have built Aegis-equipped destroyers and repaired U.S. Military Sealift Command ships.
The request is under MASGA, which may need congressional approval and joint U.S. yard production.

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