HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is teaming up with the Navy to actively develop a combat unmanned surface vehicle (USV - Unmanned Surface Vehicle). HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on the 22nd that it has received a contract from the Naval Headquarters for the 'combat unmanned surface vehicle conceptual design project.'
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is expected to intensify next-generation ship development based on its capability to construct AEGIS destroyers. The combat unmanned surface vehicle is a vessel that performs reconnaissance and close combat missions in the front line, replacing manned ships. It is considered a core axis of marine manned and unmanned hybrid systems.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to hold a kickoff meeting this month and will carry out the combat unmanned surface vehicle conceptual design project, determining the requirements and acquisition plans for performance and technology applicable to the combat unmanned surface vehicle over an 8-month period until December of this year.
The company noted, "Considering the diversifying future battlefield environment, we plan to develop mission execution solutions and design combat unmanned surface vehicles that maximize reliability and cost-effectiveness."
Joo Won-ho, head of special ship business at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said, "I am honored to have secured the conceptual design of the combat unmanned surface vehicle, which will be the Navy's next key project," and added, "We will present a blueprint for the era of combat unmanned surface vehicles that will lead marine manned and unmanned hybrid power by integrating artificial intelligence-based unmanned, automated, and electrified technologies."
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this month with the U.S. artificial intelligence defense company Anduril Industries for the development and market entry of unmanned surface vehicles.