Stocks of Australian shipbuilder Austal Ltd. rose after a division of Hanwha Aerospace Co. purchased a significant stake in the US Navy contractor as part of South Korea's efforts to strengthen its presence in the American market. Hanwha's subsidiary acquired a 9.9% share in Austal, with plans to increase it to 19.9%, aiming to enhance strategic partnerships in the US and globally amid the growth in the defense and shipbuilding sectors. The move reflects Hanwha's ambition to expand its global footprint, especially in the US, utilizing Austal's operations to access the American shipbuilding market. Hanwha bought 41.2 million Austal shares at a premium price through the stock exchange. The shift in US security alliances by President Trump has led to increased defense spending, highlighting Asian contractors' ability to provide weapons efficiently. Hanwha aims to secure contracts from the US Navy with the Austal stake purchase, fostering potential collaborations between South Korea, Australia, and the US in military negotiations. Austal generates a significant portion of its revenue from the US and operates through various centers across the country. The partnership between Australia and South Korea could lead to competitive pricing and enhanced negotiation leverage with the US.