HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has launched a joint program to develop integrated control and autonomous mission technologies for combat unmanned surface vehicles.
HJSC formed a consortium with LIG Nex1 and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The group aims to secure a government-led core technology project for combat USVs. These vessels are expected to become a key asset for the future force structure of the Republic of Korea Navy.
HJSC signed a development agreement with the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement. The company will design and build a large-scale USV platform to verify the new technologies.
Combat USVs conduct surveillance, reconnaissance and combat missions. They operate through remote control or autonomous navigation. The platforms reduce risks to personnel and use AI-based automation.
The program is led by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and KRIT. It supports Batch-II system development for combat USVs and the Navy Sea GHOST concept.
The consortium will build a large combat USV to validate integrated control and autonomous mission execution. Authorities selected the LIG–HD–HJ team as the preferred bidder in August.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HJSC will design and construct the platform. LIG Nex1 will develop the integrated control, weapon control and autonomous mission systems.
HJSC said the project will strengthen South Korea’s position in next-generation naval warfare technologies.
