Hanwha Ocean, a leading global shipbuilder, announced on Wednesday a strategic partnership with Leidos Gibbs & Cox, a premier naval ship design firm, significantly enhancing its presence in the highly competitive US warship market.
This pivotal memorandum of understanding (MoU) was officially signed during the prestigious Sea Air Space 2026 exhibition, which took place on Tuesday in Maryland, marking a key moment for both defense industry leaders.
The comprehensive agreement outlines four critical areas of collaboration: developing Hanwha Ocean vessels specifically optimized to meet stringent US Navy specifications, jointly innovating next-generation naval ship designs, establishing a robust supply chain bridging South Korean and US production capabilities, and creating ship designs that prioritize efficient manufacturing processes and ensure long-term, cost-effective maintenance.
Hanwha Ocean anticipates this strategic partnership will substantially boost its competitiveness, positioning the South Korean shipbuilder strongly for securing future contracts for US Navy vessels and expanding its footprint across global naval vessel programs.
Leidos’s prominent subsidiary, Gibbs & Cox, holds an unparalleled reputation as a dominant force in US naval ship design. Historically, the firm has been instrumental in designing over 70 percent of the US Navy’s surface combatants since World War II, underscoring its deep expertise and influence in the defense sector.
“This agreement presents a pivotal opportunity for Hanwha Ocean to secure a robust technological edge, not only within the vital US naval ship market but also across the broader global warship market,” stated Eo Sung-chul, President of Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship division. “Our collaboration with Leidos, a leading US defense company, will significantly accelerate our strategic expansion into the global maritime defense sector, promising to deliver tangible and impactful results.”
During SAS 2026, Hanwha showcased its comprehensive capabilities with an impressive 148-square-meter exhibition booth, jointly presented with its affiliate Hanwha Systems. The display featured an array of advanced naval platforms, including the cutting-edge Ulsan-class Frigate Batch-III, the sophisticated Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine, innovative uncrewed surface and underwater vessels, and a visionary strategic sealift ship concept.
sahn
