HANJIN HEAVY INDUSTRIES

- Forms a consortium with LIG Nex1 and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to design and build a platform for verifying integrated control and autonomous mission execution technologies for a game-changing combat unmanned surface vehicle (USV)

- Aerial view of the combat USV Haegeum-X (source: LIG Nex1)

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has launched a joint development initiative for integrated control and autonomous mission system technologies for combat unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), which are anticipated to become a core asset of the ROK Navy’s future force structure. This is the first time that such technologies for combat USVs are being developed in the Republic of Korea.

The multinational shipbuilder announced that it has formed a consortium with LIG Nex1 and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries with a goal of securing a government-led core technology development project for combat USV integrated control and autonomous mission systems. For the project, HJSC has signed a development agreement with the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement (KRIT) as the designer and builder of a large-scale USV platform for technology verification.

A combat USV is an unmanned combat vessel which is capable of conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and engagement missions at sea through remote control or autonomous navigation. Recently, it has emerged as a key factor of future manned–unmanned integrated maritime combat systems since it can minimize personnel risk and utilize AI-based automation technologies.

The goal of this core technology program, promoted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and KRIT, is to develop essential technologies required for the Batch-II system development of combat USVs. It is considered that these technologies are essential for advancing the Navy Sea GHOST system, which is the backbone of the ROK Navy’s manned–unmanned integrated combat framework.

Furthermore, the LIG–HD–HJ consortium, a leading force in domestic naval platforms and command-and-control s

ystem development, is planned to construct a large combat USV that has a capacity of validating integrated control systems and autonomous mission execution technologies.

The global shipbuilder has been preparing to take part in the program as a unified team with LIG Nex1 and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Following the proposal evaluation conducted by KDITA, the LIG–HD–HJ consortium was named as the preferred bidder in August.

Moving forward, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HJSC will take the responsibility to design and build the USV platform, while LIG Nex1 will develop integrated control systems, weapon control systems, and autonomous mission systems, ensuring seamless integration of the platform and its core components and maximizing overall system performance.

An official from HJSC commenced, “Today, advanced nations around the world are active in unmanned surface vessel development and integrated manned–unmanned operations to enhance operational effectiveness.” He added, “We promise that we will further elevate the global standing of K-Defense by aggressively participating in the development of high-performance, high-reliability combat USV core technologies, which can be the game changer of future warfare.”