The South Korean Navy has contracted HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to develop a combat unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
HD HHI will design a next-generation drone boat equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) for reconnaissance and close-range combat missions intended to be an integral element of a planned future manned-unmanned fleet.
Following a kickoff meeting in late April, the company will work on the concept design until December, which includes defining mission requirements, identifying applicable technologies, and outlining acquisition strategies for the program.
“We are honored to undertake the concept design for what will become a key component of the Navy’s future capabilities,” Chosun Daily quoted HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Naval & Special Ship Business Unit Head Joo Won-ho as saying.
“By integrating artificial intelligence-powered unmanned, automated, and electric technologies, we aim to set the course for the next generation of naval power.”
This event is tied to the Asian country’s broader initiative of operating unmanned ships, submarines, and aircraft by the 2040s while keeping up with advanced trends in defense and addressing troop shortages.
Developing Unmanned Systems, AI
Seoul has been increasing its efforts to pursue unmanned systems and AI for military applications.
In early April, HD HHI teamed up with US defense manufacturer Anduril to jointly produce military USVs for international customers, and Hanwha Aerospace partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to develop and produce advanced military drones for global export.
In 2022, South Korean aerospace and defense manufacturer LIG Nex1 secured a contract to develop and equip an AI-based combat system in the navy’s submarines.
