America’s efforts to ramp up maritime firepower can’t seem to catch a break. Last week, the U.S. Navy scrapped plans for a warship originally commissioned to narrow the gap with Beijing’s much larger fleet. And not for the first time — Washington’s shipbuilding programs have been dogged by years of delays and escalating costs. But there is a solution.
Ally South Korea — backed by shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries — has the money, technology and will to help if Washington makes it worth its while. Congress should move quickly to pass a law allowing military ships to be built overseas by trusted partners, as well as move to allow vessels to undergo maintenance in foreign shipyards. It’s a deal that would benefit both sides.
The stakes are clear: The U.S. has a battle force of around 290, while China has a 400-strong fleet, according to U.S. estimates. While American ships may have the edge technologically, that’s not what’s important. Historically, it has been about size. The bigger navy almost always wins.
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