U.S. Considers South Korea's Chungnam-Class Frigate Alongside Japanese and Turkish Designs

South Korea's newest Chungnam-class guided-missile frigate has emerged as a candidate for the U.S. Navy's next frigate, placing it in competition with Japanese and Turkish designs.

The reported review reflects the Trump administration's effort to make use of allied ship designs and shipbuilding capacity while addressing shortages in the United States' own naval production capability. USNI News reported that the White House and the U.S. Navy were examining designs from South Korea, Japan and Türkiye for a new frigate program.

Three defense-industry sources familiar with the discussions said the United States could first build as many as two ships at overseas shipyards. Later vessels could then be produced at American shipyards.

The designs under consideration include South Korea's Chungnam-class frigate, Japan's export version of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Mogami-class and Türkiye's Istanbul-class guided-missile frigate. The Chungnam class, also known as the latest Batch III version of the Ulsan-class, has a light displacement of about 3,600 tons. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries built the first ship, while SK Ocean is building ships two through four.