Can South Korean investment make American shipbuilding great again? At the same time, can the Republic of Korea support United States naval sustainment needs in the Indo-Pacific region? This Asan Issue Brief analyzes the ROK-U.S. “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” (MASGA) initiative as a key element of how the ROK can contribute to these dual U.S. imperatives of shipbuilding renewal and forward sustainment. The Issue Brief argues that the Trump administration should look beyond just financial investments and adopt a holistic strategy aimed at making both American and allied shipbuilding great again by leveraging South Korea’s world-class shipbuilding capacity.

The Issue Brief proceeds as follows. First, it discusses the dilemma facing the United States between long-term industrial renewal and short-term sustainment requirements, including President Trump’s shifting views. Second, it discusses the foundations for ROK-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation. Third, it examines the July 2025 ROK-U.S. “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” (MASGA) announcement. Fourth, it discusses how money alone will not fix the U.S. shipbuilding challenge and why the United States should utilize ROK shipyards given capacity constraints. Finally, it offers three policy recommendations for the ROK, including establishing a clear control tower for shipbuilding cooperation, incorporating shipbuilding contributions in burden-sharing negotiations, and coordinating with other allies on legislative reforms necessary for shipbuilding cooperation.

The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.