US, South Korea Set Sail on Next-Gen Drone Boat Development
US and South Korean firms ink a partnership to build the next generation of unmanned surface vessels.
South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries has partnered with American defense contractor Anduril to co-develop cutting-edge unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for military applications.
A recent memorandum of understanding signed in Seoul outlines plans to combine Hyundai’s autonomous navigation expertise with Anduril’s mission autonomy technologies to build next-generation USVs.
As part of the agreement, the South Korean company will also provide artificial intelligence (AI)-driven systems, which can be used for propulsion and safety management.
Currently, Anduril is involved in several projects to design and deliver uncrewed platforms for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations across the US, Australia, and other military partners.
“It is meaningful to work with Anduril to develop unmanned vessels, a core of next-generation naval platforms,” The Korean Herald cited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Special Ship Division Head Joo Won-ho.
“We will accelerate the development of both minimally crewed and fully unmanned ships to strengthen naval capabilities and boost defense exports.”
Strengthening Ties With US Defense Contractors
Hyundai’s partnership with Anduril was announced alongside a series of other strategic collaborations with US companies.
Among these is a partnership with Huntington Ingalls Industries, aimed at “accelerating ship production in support of defense and commercial shipbuilding projects.”
This collaboration is expected to reinforce the “collective maritime industrial base” both in the US and South Korea.
Fairbanks Morse Defense also revealed that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai to explore opportunities for international maritime defense programs.
In a separate initiative, Hyundai is currently working with American software developer Palantir to leverage AI solutions to enhance the national security of the two nations.
