Seongnam: HD Hyundai Co. and Korean Air Co. have announced separate agreements with U.S. defense technology firm Anduril Industries Inc. to collaborate on the development of unmanned defense platforms, aiming to strengthen their roles in AI-enhanced military systems.
According to Yonhap News Agency, HD Hyundai, a prominent South Korean shipbuilding conglomerate, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Anduril on Wednesday at its global research center in Seongnam, south of Seoul. This follows a previously signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) in April. The MOA outlines plans for HD Hyundai to integrate Anduril's autonomous mission execution systems into its unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), which are currently being developed for the Korean market.
In addition, HD Hyundai is set to provide AI-based autonomy solutions for Anduril's manned and unmanned naval platforms intended for the U.S. market. The company will also handle aspects of ship design and construction. The two firms have agreed to co-develop prototype USVs for both Korean and U.S. markets, with a Korean prototype expected to be released by 2027.
Separately, Korean Air has entered a strategic partnership with Anduril to co-develop autonomous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for South Korea and the broader Asia-Pacific region. This announcement was made during the launch event of Anduril's new office in Seoul. The partnership will focus on creating Korean-type UAS leveraging Anduril's proprietary platforms while exploring export opportunities throughout the region. The companies are also considering setting up manufacturing infrastructure in South Korea.
Lim Jin-kyu, senior vice president and head of Korean Air's aerospace division, emphasized that the partnership combines Korean Air's expertise in UAS with Anduril's advanced AI technology, marking a significant milestone in the global unmanned systems market. Joo Won-ho, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' special ship business division, expressed the aim to develop highly advanced unmanned naval platforms through collaboration with Anduril.
Founded in 2017, Anduril has gained recognition for its software-first approach to defense development, particularly its AI-powered mission control systems and autonomous surveillance technologies. The company currently supplies systems to the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and Australian military.