HD Hyundai partners with Anduril for ASV design and AI integration.

HD Hyundai announced on Nov. 23, that it recently signed a contract with US-based Anduril for the design, construction, and AI solution supply of autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs). The contract signing ceremony held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul was attended by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries President Joo Won-ho (Naval Vessel and Medium-Sized Ship Business Representative) and Anduril Co-founder Palmer Luckey.

HD Hyundai plans to construct the ASVs at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan and supply key AI solutions including ship autonomous navigation technology currently under development. Anduril will integrate autonomous mission execution solutions currently being developed.

The two companies plan to complete the development and construction of ASV prototypes by 2026 and begin full-scale efforts to secure the US and global markets.

Earlier in October, HD Hyundai Chairman Jung Ki-seon stated during his keynote speech at the CEO Summit Future Tech Forum held, “We have recently established a partnership with Anduril, a US company that has rapidly emerged as an innovation leader in the AI defense sector, and are developing next-generation unmanned naval vessels by expanding our latest autonomous navigation technology to the defense field.” He added, “We expect that the convergence of ship autonomous navigation technology and autonomous mission execution, combining the capabilities of both companies, will completely transform the paradigm of naval operations.”

At the contract signing ceremony, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries President Joo Won-ho said, “This will mark a new milestone as Korean and US defense companies collaborate to jointly develop naval vessels,” adding, “The world’s leading AI defense company and the world’s leading shipyard will cooperate to lead the introduction of manned-unmanned composite systems that navies worldwide are pursuing.”

Anduril Co-founder Palmer Luckey said, “We are pleased to build our first ASV at HD Hyundai’s Ulsan yard, which has world-class design and construction capabilities,” adding, “We also look forward to greater cooperation with HD Hyundai in the global defense market, including the United States and South Korea.”

Source:Business Korea