HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has secured a contract from the Republic of Korea Navy to lead the concept design of a next-generation combat unmanned surface vehicle (USV), marking a significant step toward unmanned naval operations.
Advancing Autonomous Naval Power
Building on its extensive experience in constructing advanced warships like Aegis-equipped destroyers, HD HHI will develop a combat USV capable of performing reconnaissance and close-quarters missions in high-risk maritime zones. This platform is envisioned as a cornerstone of a future manned-unmanned integrated fleet.
The USV aims to support operations without risking human life and will feature AI-powered autonomy, automated systems, and electric propulsion, in line with evolving naval warfare demands.
Project Timeline and Goals
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Kickoff meeting: Scheduled for later this month.
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Concept design phase: April–December 2025 (8 months).
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HD HHI will:
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Define mission requirements.
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Explore suitable technologies.
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Establish acquisition strategies.
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HD HHI emphasized the focus on reliability, performance, and cost-efficiency.
Strategic Global Expansion
Earlier in April, HD HHI signed an MoU with U.S. defense tech firm Anduril Industries to co-develop combat USVs and pursue global market opportunities, expanding the project’s potential impact beyond South Korea.
Joo Won-ho, Head of the Naval & Special Ship Business Unit, stated:
“We are honored to undertake the concept design for what will become a key component of the Navy’s future capabilities. By integrating artificial intelligence-powered unmanned, automated, and electric technologies, we aim to set the course for the next generation of naval power.”
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Source: THE CHOSUN DAILY
