HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is set to accelerate the development of a naval combat unmanned surface vessel (USV), recognized as a potential game-changer in future maritime warfare, in partnership with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy.
HD HHI Press Release translated by Naval News
On April 22, HD HHI announced that it has been awarded the concept design contract for the combat USV program, a next-generation core initiative by the ROK Navy. Building on its proven capabilities in constructing state-of-the-art Aegis destroyers, HD HHI will lead the development of future naval platforms that enhance Korea’s maritime defense capabilities.
The combat USV is envisioned to operate in forward areas, performing reconnaissance and close-combat missions in place of manned vessels. It will form a key component of future manned-unmanned teaming systems in the maritime domain.
HD HHI plans to launch a kickoff meeting later this month and conduct the concept design work over an 8-month period, concluding in December. This phase will determine performance requirements, technologies, and acquisition strategies for the combat USV.
Through this project, HD HHI aims to propose mission solutions optimized for future multi-domain operations and design a USV that delivers reliability and cost-effectiveness beyond current manned vessels. The company has expressed its commitment to taking a leading role in advancing manned-unmanned integrated systems, starting with this combat USV.
“We are honored to be awarded this important project, which will serve as a cornerstone for the ROK Navy’s future operations. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will incorporate autonomous, AI-powered, and electric-drive technologies to deliver a vision for the next era of naval unmanned surface vessels.”
Won-ho Joo, Head of the Naval & Special Ship Business Unit at HD HHI
Meanwhile, in early April, HD HHI also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. defense tech firm Anduril Industries to collaborate on the development and global deployment of unmanned surface vessels, further cementing its position as a global leader in the field.
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Naval News Comments
The ROK Navy had earlier revealed their conceptual design for combat unmanned surface vessels (USVs) during the DSK 2025 event, emphasizing a paradigm shift toward distributed lethality and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) in maritime operations.
The ROK Navy’s combat USV currently under concept design features a length of 30 meters and a beam of 6 meters, with an estimated displacement of over 100-tons. It’s communication capabilities extends within satellite relay coverage. Powered by two waterjet propulsion units, the USV will be equipped for both reconnaissance and combat missions. It supports modular weapon integration, including a 130mm guided rocket system and a 20mm remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS). For enhanced operational awareness and target acquisition, the platform employs sensors such as EO/IR, EOTS, Lidar, and 360-degree optical systems.
