Hanwha has secured its first contract to build a medium landing ship (LSM) for the U.S. Navy, marking a significant step in its efforts to penetrate the U.S. naval market. This is the first contract awarded since Hanwha acquired the Philippine shipyard in December 2024.
On October 29, Hanwha Defense USA announced that it signed a contract with TOTE Services, a U.S. Navy vessel construction management company, for the construction of one LSM. The contract is valued at approximately 357.5 billion won, and the construction will be carried out at the Hanwha Philippines Shipyard.
The LSM is designed for expeditionary operations, enabling the U.S. Navy to conduct distributed operations in conflict-prone coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific. It will transport and deploy Marine Corps personnel, equipment, and supplies to coastal regions. The vessel measures 100 meters in length, 16 meters in width, has a displacement of approximately 2,687 tons, and a range of about 7,400 kilometers.
The U.S. Navy is pursuing the acquisition of LSMs based on the LST-100 design from the Dutch shipbuilding group Damen. The plan involves utilizing existing commercial designs and constructing multiple vessels simultaneously at different shipyards to expedite initial operational capability. TOTE Services was selected as the vessel construction manager in July, securing a contract worth $2.2 billion.
TOTE Services evaluated safety, quality, and delivery performance through a competitive process to select the construction firm. Hanwha Philippines Shipyard has collaborated with TOTE Services on the U.S. Coast Guard's National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) project, constructing and delivering four vessels under the VCM model. Hanwha Defense USA has also been supporting the shipyard's naval business preparations by deploying personnel to Philadelphia since early this year.
This contract is significant as it recognizes Hanwha Philippines Shipyard's capability to build not only commercial vessels but also U.S. Navy ships, establishing a strategic foundation for future naval projects. Earlier this year, Hanwha Philippines Shipyard participated in the concept design project for the U.S. Navy's Next Generation Logistics Support Ship (NGLS) in March and was selected in July as the contractor for the maritime missile test measurement vessel (MRIV) associated with the U.S. 'Golden Dome' missile defense system.
With this contract, Hanwha expands its business scope from design participation to actual construction of U.S. Navy vessels. Michael Cooler, president of Hanwha Defense USA, stated, "Since acquiring the Philippine shipyard, Hanwha has made significant investments in personnel and technology to establish a shipbuilding foundation for federal government clients, including the U.S. Navy. We will work closely with TOTE Services to ensure timely delivery of the vessels within budget."
Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy plans to acquire a total of 35 LSMs. Hanwha aims to solidify its entry into the U.S. Navy vessel market based on this contract and will continue preparations for future orders through workforce training and facility investments.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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