President Donald Trump has mentioned the possibility of collaborating with South Korean shipbuilders to increase the number of U.S. Navy vessels. He also indicated that the U.S. may consider purchasing ships built overseas.
According to Reuters, Trump made these remarks on July 15 during the Defense Innovation Summit at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania. He stated, "We will look at some companies coming from Korea and other regions."
He added, "They are working with us in the shipbuilding sector, and we will also purchase some ships built externally." Trump emphasized the need for many vessels in the Navy, noting that existing ships are aging.
It is unclear whether the 'externally built ships' Trump referred to specifically means U.S. Navy vessels made outside the country. However, given that he mentioned South Korean companies immediately before this statement, it suggests that options for building ships outside the U.S. are being considered.
Previously, at the G7 summit last month, Trump asked South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol if the U.S. could quickly build ten naval ships. This latest statement raises questions about the potential for concrete collaboration in naval shipbuilding between the U.S. and South Korea.
Currently, the U.S. generally restricts the construction of its naval vessels abroad. However, the President can allow exceptions if deemed necessary for national security, leading to speculation about whether this could result in actual shipbuilding in South Korea.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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