South Korea set to power US fight for naval dominance amid rising geopolitical tensions

The United States is turning to South Korea’s world-leading shipbuilding industry as it seeks to refresh its ageing naval fleet, a move set to expand the bilateral alliance beyond security into defence manufacturing, technology and industrial production.

According to analysts, the bid reflects Washington’s efforts to address long-standing problems in its own industry – such as chronic construction delays, cost overruns, shortages of skilled workers and supply chain constraints.

It also marks a...