Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Dec 23: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said South Korea’s shipbuilding major Hanwha will collaborate with the US Navy in constructing a new class of frigate warships, as he outlined plans to introduce a new fleet of “Trump-class” battleships.
Speaking at a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said the Navy had recently approved a new frigate programme and confirmed that the project would involve Hanwha. His remarks come amid efforts by South Korea to expand shipbuilding cooperation with the United States through leading companies such as Hanwha Ocean Co, according to Yonhap news agency.
“Last week, the Navy announced a brand new class of frigate, and they’re going to be working with South Korean company Hanwha,” Trump said, describing the firm as a “good company.”
The US Navy on Friday unveiled plans for a new class of combat ships that will be smaller and more agile, designed to operate alongside larger, multi-role warships. Trump also highlighted Hanwha’s recent investment in the Philadelphia naval shipyard, referring to the company’s Philly Shipyard facility.
In August, Hanwha Group announced a $5 billion investment in the Philadelphia shipyard as part of South Korea’s broader $150 billion commitment to US shipbuilding cooperation under a trade framework reached with the Trump administration.
During the same press conference, Trump said the US Navy would construct two powerful new battleships under what he described as a future “Golden Fleet.”
Hanwha Group, a South Korean conglomerate spanning chemicals, defence and shipbuilding, had earlier said it would invest about 7 trillion won (roughly $5 billion) in its US shipyard following a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and President Trump.
The investment is aimed at expanding production capacity at Hanwha’s Philly Shipyard and strengthening bilateral shipbuilding cooperation under an initiative branded “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” (MASGA).
Hanwha formally unveiled the investment plan during a ceremony at the Philadelphia shipyard, attended by President Lee, to mark the christening of the State of Maine, a National Security Multi-mission Vessel built for the US Maritime Administration.