HD Hyundai Heavy Industries secured a contract to develop the concept design for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for South Korea’s Navy, expanding its footprint in autonomous maritime defense technology. The eight-month project running through December will determine performance requirements and acquisition strategies for vessels designed to conduct exploration and combat missions in frontline waters.
These combat USVs represent a significant advancement in the country’s naval capabilities, replacing traditional crewed vessels and serving as core elements in South Korea’s maritime manned-unmanned complex system. The company will focus on maximizing reliability and cost-effectiveness beyond conventional warships.
The contract follows HD Hyundai’s broader push into autonomous naval technology. Earlier this month, the shipbuilder formed strategic partnerships with American defense technology firms Anduril Industries and Palantir Technologies to develop reconnaissance and combat USVs for global markets.
HD Hyundai already holds a strong position in South Korea’s naval shipbuilding sector, having constructed five of the six Aegis destroyers currently in service with the Republic of Korea Navy. The company delivered the next-generation Aegis destroyer “Jeongjo the Great” last year.
Joo Won-ho, head of the Special Ship Business unit, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating a blueprint for the combat USV era through integration of AI-based unmanned, automated, and electrification technologies.
