Seongnam: South Korean shipbuilding conglomerate HD Hyundai Co. announced its partnership with U.S. defense technology company Anduril Industries Inc. to advance their collaboration in the naval defense sector. The focus will be on developing unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
According to Yonhap News Agency, the two companies formalized their cooperation by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Wednesday at HD Hyundai's global research center in Seongnam, south of Seoul. This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed earlier in April. Under the MOA, HD Hyundai will integrate Anduril's autonomous mission execution systems into its USVs, which are currently being developed for the Korean market. Additionally, HD Hyundai will provide artificial intelligence-based autonomy solutions for Anduril's naval platforms intended for the U.S. market, covering both manned and unmanned vessels. The ship design and construction will also be managed by HD Hyundai.
The agreement entails the joint development of prototype USVs tailored for both the Korean and U.S. markets, with the Korean prototype expected around 2027. Founded in 2017, Anduril has gained attention for its software-first approach to defense development. It is recognized for its AI-powered mission control systems and autonomous surveillance and reconnaissance technologies. Anduril's current clients include the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense, and the Australian military.
"USVs are at the core of future naval warfare," said Joo Won-ho, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' special ship business division. "Through collaboration with Anduril, which possesses world-class autonomous mission technology, we aim to develop the most advanced unmanned naval platforms."