The ROK Navy unveiled its conceptual design of the Combat USV at Drone Show Korea 2025 (DSK 2025).
During Drone Show Korea (DSK) 2025, the ROK Navy unveiled a conceptual model of an expanded combat unmanned surface vessel (USV). This marks the first time the ROK Navy has presented a physical conceptual model of a combat USV at a defense-related exhibition.
The ROK Navy’s combat USV is currently being studied in the form of Batch-I and Batch-II. The conceptual model showcased at DSK 2025 is called the “expanded model” because it integrates five weapon systems and sensors currently in use by the ROK Navy, along with future systems under consideration.
According to a ROK Navy officer at the booth, Batch-I will have less firepower than the expanded model (approximately 200-ton class) due to its smaller platform size (approximately 100-ton class). Batch-I will be armed with a 20mm RCWS and a 130mm guided rocket. For sensors, it will be equipped with EO/IR, EOTS, LiDAR, and a 360-degree imaging camera. The key distinction between Batch-I and Batch-II will be the integration of a suicide drone swarm launch system, a technology showcased by numerous drone companies during DSK 2025.
The ROK Navy has adopted an evolutionary approach to combat USV research. The “expanded” combat USV concept unveiled at DSK 2025 is expected to integrate technologies from both Batch-I and Batch-II, establishing it as the ultimate conceptual goal of the Navy’s combat USV development. The ROK Navy plans to automate navigation, tracking, and targeting up to the final engagement approval stage. Once authorized, the system will autonomously engage targets.
The expanded model is equipped with five key weapon systems: a 20mm RCWS, a 2.75-inch “Poniard” guided rocket, a 130mm guided rocket (currently used on the PKMR), a C-Star anti-ship missile, and a suicide drone swarm launch system. Additionally, it features a miniaturized AESA Multi-Function Radar (MFR) for long-range detection and a soft-kill system that appears similar to the Rheinmetall MASS. For propulsion, the model features three waterjets.
Following the recent cancellation of its aircraft carrier program, the ROK Navy has intensified its efforts to enhance unmanned capabilities. Over the past few years, various unmanned assets under the Navy Sea GHOST concept have progressed through conceptual development, with their design phase concluding late last year.
Among these assets, the combat USV is designed for surface warfare. With a tonnage similar to small vessels like the PKMR currently operating along the NLL, it can be equipped with a variety of weapon systems without the constraints of accommodating crew members. If the Navy successfully develops and validates an integrated mission module for USV command and control, these combat USVs could operate alongside 800-ton OPVs in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations, potentially replacing the PKMR fleet.
