The Trump administration is pushing for new orders of frigates for the U.S. Navy, considering options from South Korea, Japan, and Turkey, according to multiple sources cited by USNI News on September 1. Notably, the latest Chungnam-class frigate from South Korea is among the potential candidates, drawing attention to whether the U.S. Navy will proceed with its acquisition.
According to reports, Acting Navy Secretary Hong Kao has directed William Mahan, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, to investigate international combat ships, Ro-Ro cargo vessels, and integrated cargo supply ships (CONSOL) for the Military Sealift Command. The findings are expected to be submitted by November 12 of this year.
Among the foreign frigates under consideration for procurement by the U.S. Navy are South Korea's Chungnam-class guided missile frigate, Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Mogami-class guided missile frigate, and Turkey's Istanbul-class guided missile frigate, sources reported.
The Chungnam-class frigate is being constructed as part of South Korea's new FFX Batch-III program, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, SK Oceanplant, and Hanwha Ocean involved in the project. Six vessels are expected to be built by 2028. The Chungnam-class frigate is noted for its enhanced multi-target tracking and response capabilities, featuring a four-sided fixed multi-function AESA radar, improving its air defense and anti-submarine capabilities.
U.S. Navy spokesperson Ron Flanders stated, "(President Trump) has directed the Navy to actively enhance domestic shipbuilding capabilities," adding that this includes leveraging the proven technologies and industrial expertise of allied nations.
Additionally, Rear Admiral Brian Metcalf, who oversees the Navy's combat ship procurement program, mentioned on social media in July, "The Navy cannot operate with just one size of vessel. The (new) frigates will fill that gap." He explained that these frigates can operate in areas with relatively low conflict potential, allowing them to undertake various missions while enabling destroyers to focus on high-intensity tasks.
The consideration of foreign frigates by the U.S. Navy follows the Trump administration's announcement last month of a memorandum allowing the import of warships built overseas for 'national security interests.' Current U.S. regulations prohibit the import of warships constructed abroad, but the Trump administration has decided to allow exceptions for the construction of up to two vessels at foreign shipyards as part of efforts to rapidly enhance naval fleet capabilities.
However, Congress is attempting to block such exceptions, leaving the actual prospects for the U.S. Navy's acquisition of foreign frigates uncertain. The Senate Armed Services Committee has removed the White House's provision for importing foreign-built warships from the draft of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2027, while the House Armed Services Committee has included measures to cut funding for U.S. warships built at foreign shipyards. The NDAA for fiscal year 2027 passed the House in July and is awaiting a Senate vote.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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