US Navy's Strategy: South Korean Shipbuilding Insight

The U.S. Navy faces a critical situation as China's naval dominance grows rapidly, with projections of China having 435 military vessels by 2030, compared to the U.S.'s decreasing fleet. The Jeongjo the Great, a new warship from South Korea, presents a potential model for the U.S. to emulate. Constructed at a fraction of the cost of U.S. ships, Jeongjo the Great boasts advanced technologies such as a hexagon radar and vertical launch systems capable of engaging multiple targets. Currently, the U.S. Navy is restricted from purchasing ships abroad due to a 1965 amendment, which has led America to seek expertise from South Korea, a leader in modern shipbuilding. The U.S. shipbuilding industry has significantly shrunk, from once having 13 operational shipyards down to only four, creating a pressing need for revitalization. With trade relations and military strategies at stake, the U.S. is exploring collaborations with South Korean firms like Hyundai Heavy Industries to enhance its naval capabilities. This partnership includes not only building newer ships but also training U.S. engineers and establishing repair capabilities in South Korea for U.S. naval hulls to streamline maintenance during potential conflicts, especially concerning rising tensions in Taiwan. Although the U.S. Navy is technologically advanced, the strategy to increase ship count is critical as it faces the risk of falling behind in a new era of global military competition.