Pentagon mulls plan to outsource warship design and building to South Korea, Japan

The Pentagon is exploring the possibility of outsourcing warship design and construction to South Korea and Japan. A proposed $1.85 billion feasibility study, included in the 2027 budget, will assess the viability of adopting or co-producing advanced frigate designs like Japan's Mogami-class and South Korea's Daegu-class. This initiative aims to alleviate pressure on the US Navy's existing production capabilities. If implemented, this would mark the first time the United States has procured major surface combatants from a foreign partner since World War II. The study will investigate how these foreign designs could supplement the US Navy's fleet.