U.S. Warship Overseas Review to Conclude Nov. 12
The Pentagon's review of building warships at overseas shipyards is scheduled to end Nov. 12, after a presidential memorandum set the process in motion.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Military
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President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum on Aug. 13 directing the Department of Defense to prepare a surface combatant procurement plan using overseas shipbuilders within 90 days. The Department of Defense's review of overseas warship procurement is scheduled to conclude on Nov. 12.
Why it matters
The U.S. is weighing overseas warship construction because domestic shipyards lack production capacity and have faced construction delays. Rising warship costs and a shortage of skilled personnel make naval expansion difficult, so the outcome could shape how the Navy builds its fleet.
The White House has proposed a Finland model under which up to two surface combatants would be built at overseas shipyards, with later vessels produced in the U.S. Overseas companies would have to invest in U.S. shipyards and transfer technology under that condition.
The players
Donald Trump
President of the United States, who issued the August memorandum directing the overseas procurement plan.
Hanwha Group
South Korean conglomerate that entered U.S. Navy vessel construction through Philly Shipyard and secured a Landing Ship Medium order.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
South Korean shipbuilder pursuing a joint project with Huntington Ingalls Industries and a joint venture with Kiewit for a new U.S. shipyard.
The details
Officials from the Department of Defense and Navy visited South Korea, Japan and Turkey to conduct due diligence on shipyards. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has agreed on a joint project with Huntington Ingalls Industries and is pursuing a joint venture with Kiewit to build a new U.S. shipyard. Hanwha Group entered Navy vessel construction through Philly Shipyard.
Timeline
Aug. 13, 2026: Trump issues memorandum directing overseas shipbuilder procurement plan.
End of October 2026: Hanwha Defense USA secures a U.S. Navy Landing Ship Medium order.
Nov. 3, 2026: Midterm elections give Democrats majorities in both the Senate and House.
Nov. 12, 2026: Scheduled conclusion of the U.S. overseas warship review.
Military Context
The proposed Finland model would allow up to two surface combatants to be built overseas, with later vessels produced domestically, and overseas firms would need to invest in U.S. shipyards and transfer technology. The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act has passed the House and will shape how Congress checks the administration's plan.
Decisions on where Navy warships are built could affect shipbuilding jobs and costs at U.S. yards. Congressional oversight after January 2027 will determine how closely the overseas construction plan is scrutinized.
The takeaway
The Navy's shipbuilding capacity problem is pushing the government toward allied partners, and the November review will show whether overseas construction becomes a lasting part of U.S. naval procurement.
What happens next
The Department of Defense review of overseas warship procurement is scheduled to conclude on Nov. 12, 2026, and the new Congress launches in January 2027 with the ability to strengthen checks on the overseas construction plan.
Further reading
For related context, see the latest coverage in Military on warship procurement and naval shipbuilding policy.
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