US Navy reviews Turkish, Korean, Japanese frigate designs to expand fleet

September 2, 2026 at 11:11 AM2 min

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The White House and US Navy are evaluating frigate designs from Turkey, South Korea, and Japan to rapidly expand the fleet. The first two ships would be built in foreign yards, then production would shift to US shipyards. The Turkish design was added after a July NATO summit meeting between Turkish leadership and President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

The evaluation includes Japan's Mogami-class, South Korea's Chungnam-class, and Turkey's Istanbul-class guided-missile frigates.
The review is expected to be completed by November 12, 2026.
The Turkish design was added to the process after a July NATO summit meeting between Turkish leadership and President Donald Trump.
The first two ships would be built in foreign shipyards, with production later transferred to US yards.
The White House issued an August directive waiving restrictions on foreign-built warships for national security interests.

Frigate Evaluation

The White House and US Navy are reviewing frigate designs from Turkey, South Korea, and Japan to rapidly expand the fleet. The evaluation includes Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries FFM Mogami-class, South Korea's Chungnam-class, and Turkey's Istanbul-class guided-missile frigates. The review is expected to be completed by November 12, 2026. The Turkish design was added after a July NATO summit meeting between Turkish leadership and President Donald Trump.

Production Model

The first two ships would be built in foreign shipyards, with production later transferred to US yards. This approach, known as the 'Finland model', is also used in the US Coast Guard's Arctic Security Cutter project. Navy spokesman Captain Ron Flanders said the Navy is actively developing options to deliver ships faster while ensuring long-term investment in US shipyards. The frigate move aims to close a capability gap in the Navy's surface forces.

Policy Shift

The White House issued an August directive waiving restrictions on foreign-built warships for national security interests. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao tasked the office of Assistant Secretary for Research, Development and Acquisition William Mahan with the review. The review covers international warships as well as ro-ro and supply ships under Military Sealift Command. The White House Office of Management and Budget did not respond to a request for comment.