HD Hyundai and Anduril demonstrate autonomous surface vessel in California

HD Hyundai and US defense technology firm Anduril Industries have successfully conducted a demonstration of uncrewed surface vessel (USV) technology off the coast of Long Beach, California. This event marks the first time a South Korean company has demonstrated USV technology in US waters.

The 3.5-hour exercise utilized a modified 368-ton vessel previously operated by the US Navy. The demonstration showcased advanced autonomous capabilities, including autonomous navigation, formation sailing, mission changes, and emergency responses to simulated machinery failures. The vessel utilized a combination of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering’s ‘VAone’ autonomy suite and Anduril’s ‘Lattice’ mission autonomy platform.

Approximately 40 officials attended the demonstration, including representatives from the US Navy, US Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, the Republic of Korea Navy, and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration. The companies intend to use these results to pursue opportunities in the US unmanned surface vessel market and expand into the global maritime defense sector.