[Advanced UUV Joint Development MOU]
Expanding cooperation across unmanned vessel systems
Moving quickly to secure global markets such as the U.S.
Also working proactively to set global standards
Expanding cooperation across unmanned vessel systems
Moving quickly to secure global markets such as the U.S.
Also working proactively to set global standards
HD Hyundai (267250) is expanding its partnership with U.S. defense firm Anduril from unmanned surface vessels to unmanned submarines. As nations accelerate development of unmanned platforms that could reshape future naval combat, the two companies say they will combine strengths to secure global market share, beginning with the United States.
HD Hyundai said April 23 that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Anduril on April 22 in Washington, D.C., during the Sea, Air & Space 2026 exhibition. The MOU covers joint development of an advanced unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) system. This marks HD Hyundai’s first overseas partnership in the unmanned-submarine sector. The companies previously built a collaboration in unmanned surface vessels (USVs). After signing a USV development MOU in April 2025, they formalized a joint design and co-development agreement in November. A prototype USV combining both firms’ technologies is slated for construction at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (329180)'s Ulsan shipyard in October, followed by sea trials off the U.S. coast.
Unmanned submarines are optimized for stealthy missions—mine hunting, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance and reconnaissance—and, together with USVs, are viewed as potential game-changers in future naval operations. Anduril has gained recognition in the autonomous UUV field with systems such as the Dive‑LD and Copperhead, and was named a key partner for the U.S. Navy’s next-generation autonomous UUV program, CAMP.
HD Hyundai says it will extend cooperation with Anduril across unmanned vessel systems to position itself as a leader in the emerging global market. Market Research Future projects the global UUV market will grow from roughly $5.5754 billion (approximately 8.24 trillion KRW) in 2025 to about $25.8989 billion by 2035, a compound annual growth rate of 16.6 percent.
The United States is accelerating multiple programs to develop and field unmanned maritime systems as it upgrades sea power. The Pentagon elevated the Replicator program—which aims to deploy thousands of unmanned surface and subsurface systems to deter China’s growing maritime posture around the Taiwan Strait—into the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) and signaled plans for significant funding next year, reportedly on the order of $54.6 billion.
Observers are also watching whether Avikus, HD Hyundai’s autonomous-navigation subsidiary, will supply its autonomy suite for the joint UUV project. Avikus applies AI across navigation functions from voyage assistance to machinery automation. If selected, Avikus would offer an autonomy portfolio that spans both surface and subsurface unmanned platforms.
HD Hyundai is also moving to help set global standards for unmanned vessel systems. On the same day it signed the Anduril MOU, the company entered a three-party MOU with Anduril and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to develop autonomous maritime systems and related regulatory and certification frameworks. The partners said they will establish demonstration and certification processes and collaborate on regulations for unmanned systems.
Joo Won‑ho, president of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (Shipbuilding & Mid‑sized Vessels), said, \"The unmanned-vessel sector is a central issue for the future global ship market and a field we must lead. Through cooperation with Anduril, ABS and others, we will demonstrate our technological leadership in the global unmanned-vessel market.\"
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