HD Hyundai launches 600-ton autonomous vessel with US defense firm Anduril

South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai has launched its first jointly developed autonomous surface vessel with US defense firm Anduril Industries, completing the 600-ton vessel in just one year as it seeks to expand into the US market.

The autonomous surface vessel, or ASV, was unveiled Thursday at a launch ceremony at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Ulsan. Some 70 officials attended, including HD Hyundai Heavy Industries President Joo Won-ho, Anduril Chief Operating Officer Matt Grimm, Anduril Senior Vice President of Maritime and Maneuver Shane Arnott, and representatives from the US military and the US Embassy in Seoul.

The launch comes just one year after the two companies signed a development agreement, significantly shortening the several years typically required to build a naval vessel.

The vessel will undergo sea trials and final outfitting off the coast of Ulsan before traveling to the US for further testing in early 2027. The launch follows a joint demonstration of a smaller, 368-ton ASV by HD Hyundai and Anduril off the coast of Long Beach, California, in October.

The ASV combines VAone, a ship autonomy platform developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, with Anduril’s Lattice, an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed for autonomous mission management.

VAone integrates autonomous navigation technology developed by HD Hyundai’s subsidiary Avikus, with systems that monitor machinery, detect abnormalities and automatically respond to equipment failures and potential damage.

Together with Anduril’s Lattice platform, the vessel can automate a range of operations, including navigation, machinery management, damage control and weapons systems, enabling it to carry out complex missions without a crew.

HD Hyundai said the vessel is built for long-duration uncrewed operations that meet US Navy requirements and is expected to carry out missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance and maritime intelligence gathering.

"The launch of this ASV shows the combined strength of HD Hyundai's shipbuilding capabilities and autonomous navigation technologies," Joo said. "We will continue advancing our technologies to secure a leading position in the unmanned surface vessel market."

"This vessel demonstrates what Anduril and HD Hyundai can accomplish together," Arnott said. "Built in less than a year, it is a highly capable autonomous warship designed for extended operations without a crew."

He added that Anduril looks forward to demonstrating the vessel in US waters early next year and expanding the fleet with HD Hyundai.