US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
As the US Navy faces shipbuilding backlogs, international partnerships are set to play a role in ensuring the Ohio-class and future submarines remain at the forefront of naval capability. (Photo: US Navy)
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
A memorandum signed by US President Donald Trump on 13 August 2026 has offered the clearest acknowledgement yet from the White House that the US Navy’s (USN) shipbuilding effort is falling short, citing large backlogs across six major shipbuilding programmes and a maritime industrial base weakened by decades of underinvestment.
Titled “Rebuilding the United States Navy and America’s Shipbuilding Industrial Base”, the memorandum directed the US Department of Defense (DoD) to expand competition and capacity across the maritime industrial base while permitting the near-term use of foreign suppliers to offset the shortfall, provided those partners simultaneously invest in rebuilding US shipyards.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
![US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production]()
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
![Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles]()
Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles
The missile programmes form part of a broader effort to strengthen Canadian air-combat readiness as the RCAF transitions from the CF-188 to the F-35A and rebuilds its operational weapons stocks.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
-
![US Navy’s $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy’s $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
![Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme]()
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
