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3mo ago

U.S. and South Korea Deepen Naval Shipbuilding Partnership

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan's visit to South Korean shipyards solidifies bilateral cooperation in defense manufacturing and fleet readiness.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (R) holds talks with U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan during their meeting at the government complex in Seoul on April 30, 2025, in this photo released by Han's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan (2nd from L) visits the shipyard of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. in the southeastern industrial city of Ulsan on April 30, 2025, in this photo released by Hyundai. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Hyun-dong (L) poses for a photo with Secretary of the U.S. Navy John Phelan during their meeting in Washington, D.C., on April 24, 2025, in this photo provided by the South Korean Embassy. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean in South Korea to discuss naval shipbuilding and maintenance collaboration.
  • During meetings with South Korean leaders, including Acting President Han Duck-soo, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening industrial ties to rebuild U.S. shipyard capacity.
  • Phelan toured facilities producing next-generation Aegis destroyers and highlighted South Korea's expertise in shipbuilding and MRO services as crucial to U.S. fleet readiness.
  • The U.S. Navy reaffirmed its commitment to trilateral security cooperation with South Korea and Japan to bolster Indo-Pacific deterrence.
  • South Korean companies pledged deeper cooperation with the U.S., building on Hanwha Ocean's acquisition of Philly Shipyard to integrate South Korean technology and capital into American shipbuilding.