HD Hyundai has formed a strategic partnership with US defense technology firm Anduril Industries to develop unmanned surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself in a rapidly expanding maritime defense sector.
The agreement, formalized on April 4, will combine HD Hyundai’s autonomous navigation technology with Anduril’s defense AI capabilities. The collaboration comes as research firm GlobalData forecasts the USV market to grow from $894 million in 2023 to $3.1 billion by 2033 (US$3.35 billion).
HD Hyundai will focus on developing AI-based systems for navigation, propulsion, and safety management, while Anduril will create autonomous mission execution systems capable of swarm control in combat scenarios.
The partnership will provide HD Hyundai greater access to the US defense market while giving Anduril increased opportunities in South Korea. This isn’t HD Hyundai’s first move in this space—the company previously partnered with Palantir Technologies to develop another USV called “Tenebris” slated for completion by 2026.
Christian Brose, Anduril’s chief strategy officer, described the partnership as defining “a new maritime arsenal of democracy” that combines modern shipbuilding with advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence.
The collaboration aligns with HD Hyundai’s broader strategy to enhance its “K-Marine Defense” competitiveness through overseas partnerships and standardizing technology transfer packages based on naval technologies.
