South Korea set to power US fight for naval dominance amid rising geopolitical tensions
While the US has a technological edge, it lags behind China, which has the world’s largest commercial shipbuilding industry, in fleet size
The approach reflects Washington’s efforts to address long-standing problems in its own industry, according to analysts – chronic construction delays, cost overruns, shortages of skilled workers and supply chain constraints among them. It also signals a strategy of tapping trusted allies to narrow naval capability gaps amid rising maritime tensions worldwide.
“South Korea is widely regarded as one of the most practical partners for such cooperation,” said Doo Jin-ho, director of the Eurasia Research Centre at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy.
Washington’s interest in South Korean shipyards went beyond cost reduction or a one-time procurement contract, Doo said. “It reflects Washington’s effort to address persistent problems in the US shipbuilding industry.”