ASWUUV stand for anti-submarine warfare unmanned underwater vehicle. According to Hanwha Systems, it is a large displacement UUV dedicated to anti-submarine warfare missions. It is fitted with a fuel cell system as energy source, providing it with long range and endurance.
To hunt and detect submarines, it is fitted with an active sonar in the nose and two flank array sonars.
The ASWUUV is being developed for South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD). Its size is confidential, but according to a video on display on the Hanwha Systems stand, it will be able to reach a maximum depth of 300 meters and have an endurance of 30 days.
In its operational concept, the ASWUUV is meant to be used in conjunction with USVs, other UUVs and other sensors (from manned ships for example) meaning it can probably be used for multi-static anti-submarine warfare.
According to Hanwha Systems, the ASWUUV is still under development and is set to start sea trials in the middle of next year.
