HD Hyundai Explores Joint Development of Small Subs With Portuguese Navy
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed an agreement with the Portuguese Navy to explore the joint development of futuristic small submarines.
Signed at the recent Marine Defense Exhibition 2025 (MADEX) in Singapore, the agreement is part of a potential strategic partnership that includes ship maintenance, repair, and overhaul, according to South Korean daily Chosun.
It comes as the Portuguese Navy is looking to expand its fleet of two 2,000-ton Tridente-class submarines, commissioned in 2010.
The additional pair of vessels could be identical or smaller than the Tridente, Defense Archives wrote, citing previous Chief of Portuguese Naval Staff, Admiral Gouveia e Melo and current chief Admiral Jorge Nobre de Sousa.
HD Hyundai Explores Next-Gen Vessel Development
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai unveiled three export submarine models — 2,300 ton, 1,500 ton, and 800 ton — at MADEX.
The South Korean shipbuilder also signed a memorandum of understanding with POSCO at the marine exhibition to develop new materials for next-generation ship hulls.
Another memorandum of understanding was signed with Korea Aerospace Industries and LIG Nex1 to develop a multipurpose unmanned power ship.
HD Hyundai also penned agreements with Leonardo and Thales, according to Chosun.
