Are Türkiye’s shipbuilding capabilities opportunity for US?

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey suggested during the NATO summit in Ankara that his nation might assist the United States in constructing naval vessels, including frigates, corvettes, and submarines, through its domestic shipyards. This proposal comes amid ongoing challenges within the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which has struggled with delays, budget overruns, and insufficient workforce and infrastructure. The U.S. Navy faces significant hurdles in maintaining and expanding its fleet. Many warships and nuclear submarines are not operational and remain idle in ports due to delayed maintenance. Adjustments in deployment schedules have further complicated maintenance planning, creating intricate logistical issues. A critical shortage of skilled engineers and technicians exacerbates these problems, leading to excessive workloads and attrition among current staff. Moreover, the aging infrastructure at American shipyards limits their ability to meet modern requirements. New submarine and ship projects often exceed financial estimates and miss deadlines, primarily due to disruptions in global supply chains. As a result, several initiatives have been terminated before achieving their intended output, while others have been abandoned due to escalating expenses. These difficulties reflect broader concerns about the U.S. strategy of prioritizing top-tier quality at considerable cost, prompting widespread criticism and examination. International collaboration presents a viable path for the U.S. Navy to accelerate fleet renewal. A partnership with Turkey could yield substantial strategic gains. Turkey's shipbuilding prowess, particularly through the MILGEM program, has notably boosted its capacity in this field. Utilizing both state-run and private facilities, Turkey has developed a robust foundation in military ship construction. Companies such as ASFAT, TAIS, DEARSAN, and STM contribute to this effort, with STM having successfully executed diverse warship contracts for nations like Ukraine, Portugal, and Malaysia alongside the Turkish Navy. Such a collaboration could benefit the U.S., which grapples with scheduling, cost, and administrative inefficiencies in its military shipbuilding operations. Currently, Turkish shipyards are engaged in the simultaneous construction and outfitting of over 50 large warships of different types, catering not only to the Turkish Navy but also to international clients such as Portugal, Ukraine, Pakistan, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Malaysia. By July 2026, these shipyards are operating under NATO standards and meeting deadlines, demonstrating their capability to address the U.S.'s longstanding issues with production efficiency. Turkey's capacity to deliver on schedule contrasts sharply with the limitations observed in European counterparts. This capability positions Turkey as a potential partner for the U.S., offering a practical solution to the persistent challenges in American shipbuilding. However, the realization of this potential depends on navigating legal and regulatory frameworks within the U.S. that may hinder such collaborations.