HD Hyundai Launches Autonomous Vessel Developed with Anduril

On November 15, 2026, HD Hyundai Co., a prominent South Korean shipbuilder, announced the launch of an autonomous surface vessel (ASV) developed in partnership with U.S. defense firm Anduril Industries. The ceremony took place at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' shipyard in Ulsan, located approximately 310 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

The newly introduced 600-ton ASV is equipped with advanced technologies, including VAone, an autonomous navigation solution from HD Korea Shipbuilding Offshore Engineering, and Anduril's Lattice platform. This vessel is designed to perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and maritime intelligence-gathering missions without the need for a crew.

HD Hyundai plans to conduct sea trials off the coast of Ulsan and aims to gather operational data for further testing in the U.S. early next year. This initiative aligns with the U.S. Navy's strategy to develop a hybrid fleet that integrates both manned and unmanned vessels to enhance maritime capabilities.

The launch follows a successful demonstration of a 368-ton autonomous test vessel near the Port of Long Beach, California, last month. As the U.S. Navy seeks to procure 30 medium-sized ASVs, HD Hyundai is positioning itself to enter this growing market for unmanned naval vessels.