Ankara: The US Navy is exploring the possibility of purchasing warships from allies such as Japan and South Korea to rapidly expand its fleet amidst China's growing naval capabilities, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

According to Anadolu Agency, a Navy official stated that efforts are underway to fulfill the president's directive to accelerate ship deliveries while ensuring long-term investment, technology transfer, and workforce expansion within US shipyards. Another official highlighted the Navy's current shortage of vessels and suggested that Japanese ships might be a viable option, noting their high quality.

The consideration of foreign-built ships follows an August memorandum from President Donald Trump aimed at increasing US shipbuilding capacity. Under this policy, foreign shipbuilders making significant investments in US facilities could initially construct up to two vessels in their home shipyards before transitioning production to the US.

The Trump administration's fiscal 2027 budget request includes $65.8 billion for Navy shipbuilding, which would cover 34 battle-force and auxiliary ships. The possibility of overseas construction is seen as a way to address immediate needs until domestic production can be ramped up.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by China's rapid naval expansion. Japan's Ministry of Defense reported that since 2001, China has nearly sevenfold increased its number of modern destroyers and frigates. This expansion has significantly heightened pressure on the US, which has seen a decline in shipbuilding capacity since the Cold War, while China has become the world's largest commercial shipbuilder.