# Hanwha Expands U.S. Defense Shipbuilding

Hanwha Group is strategically restructuring its U.S. defense operations by consolidating shipbuilding and land defense under Hanwha Aerospace and its subsidiaries, while Hanwha System shifts focus to advanced defense technologies such as space and AI-based unmanned platforms. Central to this expansion is Hanwha's acquisition of a 60% stake in Philly Shipyard, Pennsylvania, with a **$237.6 million** transaction expected by October 31, 2026, positioning the shipyard as a key hub for new warship construction under U.S.-South Korea cooperation. Hanwha is investing approximately **$5 billion** in U.S. shipbuilding infrastructure, supporting contracts for U.S. Navy programs including the Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) and Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel (MRIV) construction. Additionally, Hanwha is pursuing formal supply contracts for the K9MH wheeled self-propelled howitzer prototypes with the U.S. Army, reflecting broader opportunities in maritime and ground defense sectors. South Korea is also advancing defense sales and technology transfer discussions with Mexico, particularly involving Korea Aerospace Industries' FA-50 aircraft modernization efforts.

- **Why this matters:** Hanwha's expanded U.S. presence and investment signal significant procurement opportunities for defense contractors in shipbuilding and land systems, especially in maritime platforms and advanced technologies.
- The Philly Shipyard acquisition creates a strategic U.S. production base, enhancing Hanwha's competitiveness for Navy contracts and supporting U.S.-South Korea defense industrial cooperation.
- Procurement professionals should note the upcoming contract deadlines, including the October 31, 2026, closing for the Philly Shipyard stake sale and ongoing solicitations for NGLS and MRIV programs.
- Companies specializing in shipbuilding, defense manufacturing, AI-enabled unmanned systems, and artillery platforms may find new partnership or subcontracting opportunities as Hanwha scales operations in the U.S.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (U.S. Navy)
- U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
- South Korean Government
- Mexican Government

### Vendors
- Hanwha (prime contractor)
- Philly Shipyard (shipyard/prime contractor)
- Hanwha Defense USA Shipbuilding (prime contractor)
- Hanwha Aerospace (prime contractor)
- Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) (defense contractor)

### Key Quotes
> South Korea-U.S. cooperation in the shipbuilding sector is becoming more concrete.
> — Lee Jae-myung, President of South Korea

### Sources
- [Hanwha Aerospace Takes U.S. Defense, Marine; System Shifts ](https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/09/28/JZ2T73LIPVFBTMWHLJQGLOSMW4) - 조선일보
- [South Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Expands Beyond MRO to Warship Construction, with Hanwha's Philly Shipyard as Key Hub — BigGo Finance](https://finance.biggo.com/news/49216a4c-5e16-4d6a-a851-8373adcb726a) - finance.biggo.com