WSJ: "Hanwha Aims to Build 2-3 Nuclear Submarines Annually in the U.S. Within 10 Years" (Comprehensive)

Confusion Over Nuclear Submarine Construction Site
South Korea Insists on Domestic Production

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on November 10 (local time) that Hanwha, which owns the Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has an internal plan to build two to three nuclear-powered submarines (nuclear submarines) annually in the United States within the next ten years.

Citing multiple sources, WSJ stated, "Hanwha is seeking opportunities to expand its business in the area surrounding the Philly Shipyard in order to secure the capabilities needed to undertake new projects."

The Philly Shipyard, which Hanwha Ocean acquired in December last year, is considered a key base for the MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) project, a joint initiative between South Korea and the United States. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged to revive the American shipbuilding industry in cooperation with South Korea.

This WSJ report comes amid ongoing confusion over the construction site following South Korea’s recent approval from the United States to build nuclear submarines.

Previously, on October 30, President Trump announced after a summit with President Lee Jaemyung that "the construction of South Korea's nuclear submarines has been approved" and that "these submarines will be built at the Philly Shipyard."

However, the South Korean government is sticking to its plan to build the nuclear submarines domestically. A senior official from the presidential office explained on November 7, "During the summit talks (between South Korea and the United States), it was discussed that the submarines would be built in South Korea."

Earlier, on November 5, Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyubaek also stated during a full session of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee, "We believe the Philly Shipyard lacks sufficient technology, manpower, and facilities," emphasizing that the nuclear submarines should be built domestically.

WSJ did not specify whether the two to three submarines Hanwha aims to build are intended for the South Korean Navy or for delivery to the U.S. Navy. The report also introduced that Hanwha aims to increase the Philly Shipyard’s annual production capacity to as many as 20 vessels, plans to hire thousands of new workers, and will introduce large cranes, robotic equipment, and training facilities.

Currently, the Philly Shipyard’s annual production is at the level of one commercial vessel, which, according to WSJ, is a scale that Hanwha could build in about a week in South Korea.

WSJ noted that if the Philly Shipyard project succeeds, "it could become a model for other struggling American shipyards," but also pointed out that "stable political support, a massive workforce, and sufficient funding are necessary." The report further analyzed that "Hanwha has never built a nuclear submarine, and the United States has strictly controlled nuclear-related technology even for its allies," adding that with the possibility of building nuclear submarines at the Philly Shipyard, the scale and complexity of the project have grown significantly.