HD HHI press release
The memorandum of understand (MoU) for the development of USVs was signed at Palantir’s office in Washington D.C. on April 14. Key representatives from both companies participated in the signing ceremony: Dr. Won-ho Joo, Chief Executive of HD HHI’s Naval and Special Ship Business Unit, and Mr. Ryan Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Chief Legal Officer (CLO) of Palantir Technologies.
Palantir is a leading defense AI company in the United States, serving the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army. It has also participated in modernizing integrated combat systems for the U.S. Navy in partnership with Lockheed Martin, the world’s leading defense company.
Under the agreement, both companies aim to develop a reconnaissance USV by 2026, with plans to expand into combat USVs later. To achieve this, HD HHI’s autonomous navigation subsidiary Avikus will provide autonomous navigation software and integrate Palantir’s Mission Autonomy technology. HD HHI will handle the integration of advanced equipment and the development of high-performance hulls for the USV.
USVs are increasingly recognized as essential assets for various missions, including surveillance, mine detection and removal, and combat, particularly in hazardous areas. They are already deployed in actual combat situations as asymmetric forces. Current USVs face challenges in rough conditions and do not match the capabilities of manned vessels. Through this agreement, the companies aim to leverage their accumulated autonomous navigation technology and advanced defense AI to develop a distinctive model that can overcome those challenges.
The companies plan to optimize USV models for the needs of the US and Korean markets, expecting that the broad adoption of USVs will enable comprehensive management of operational environments through AI platforms.
At the signing ceremony, Dr. Won-ho Joo stated:
“The unmanned vessel market represents a new ‘blue ocean’ dominated by advanced technology, and both companies will pioneer this field based on their achievements and trust.”
Mr. Ryan Taylor stated that:
“It is meaningful to establish a defense partnership following the digital transformation partnership with HD HHI, a leader in the global shipbuilding industry. By applying AI capabilities in future naval warfare, we will continue to build a defense ecosystem that solidifies the competitive advantage of the United States and its allies.”
During Sea Air Space 2024 last week, HD HHI has also signed MOUs with US defense companies such as GE Aerospace, and L3Harris for the development of ship propulsion systems, as well as pursuing strategic collaborations for US Navy ship MRO and naval ship projects in Australia and Canada.