America’s efforts to ramp up maritime firepower can’t seem to catch a break. Last week, the US Navy scrapped plans for a warship originally commissioned to narrow the gap with Beijing’s much larger fleet. And not for the first time — Washington’s shipbuilding programs have been dogged by years of delays and escalating costs. But there is a solution.
Ally South Korea — backed by shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean Co. and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. — has the money, technology, and will to help, if Washington makes it worth its while. Congress should move quickly to pass a law allowing military ships to be built overseas by trusted partners, as well as move to allow ...