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HD Hyundai Group (Photo=HD Hyundai Group) |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] HD Hyundai has signed an agreement with U.S. defense technology firm Anduril Industries to jointly design and build an autonomous surface vessel (ASV), marking a major step forward in next-generation unmanned naval platforms. ASVs—often dubbed the “Teslas of the sea”—are considered a key future growth engine for the shipbuilding industry, yet no full-scale deployment has been realized to date. Industry observers say HD Hyundai is moving ahead of global competitors.
According to industry sources on Nov. 23, the two companies signed a contract on Nov. 19 at the Josun Palace Hotel in Seoul covering ASV prototype design and construction, as well as AI solution supply. HD Hyundai will build a 500-ton ASV at its Ulsan shipyard and equip it with its in-development autonomous navigation system. The completed hull will then be transported to the United States, where Anduril will integrate its mission system. The companies aim to finish construction by 2026. Anduril is known for supplying AI-based unmanned systems—including surveillance towers and drones—to the U.S. Department of Defense.
The joint project targets the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Autonomous Surface Combatant (MASC) program, which seeks to develop modular unmanned vessels capable of autonomous route planning, collision avoidance, speed control, and mission execution. The MASC initiative aims to build a versatile combat platform that can perform strike, electronic warfare, and logistics missions, shifting the Navy’s fleet posture from large destroyers toward smaller, unmanned, modular assets.
Although the total program budget has not been disclosed, industry experts expect it to reach several billions of dollars once fully launched. If mass production begins, HD Hyundai is positioned to become a key builder of operational ASVs for the U.S. Navy.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
