HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is moving forward with the full-scale development of a combat unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in collaboration with the Republic of Korea Navy. On Apr. 22, the company announced it had secured a contract from Navy Headquarters for the “combat USV concept design project.”
Leveraging its experience in building Aegis-equipped destroyers, HD HHI is expected to step up efforts to develop next-generation naval platforms. The combat USV is designed to carry out reconnaissance and close-quarters combat missions in forward maritime areas, serving as a substitute for crewed vessels. It is positioned as a central element in the future manned-unmanned integrated fleet.
The company plans to hold a kickoff meeting later this month and proceed with the concept design project through December. Over the eight-month period, HD HHI will define mission requirements, identify applicable technologies, and outline acquisition strategies for the program.
“We intend to develop a combat USV capable of delivering mission-ready solutions suited to the increasingly complex conditions of future warfare, while enhancing both reliability and cost-effectiveness,” the company said.
Joo Won-ho, head of the Naval & Special Ship Business Unit at HD HHI, said, “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.”
Earlier this month, HD HHI also signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S.-based defense technology firm Anduril Industries to jointly develop combat USVs and expand into new global markets.
