HD Hyundai is significantly expanding its collaborations with key US partners in the rapidly evolving naval and uncrewed vessel technology sectors, a strategic move following its prominent participation at Sea Air Space 2026 in Washington.
The global shipbuilding leader fortified its alliance with Anduril Industries, signing a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday. This agreement extends their existing collaboration on surface drones to jointly develop advanced uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), marking a significant foray into sophisticated subsea systems.
Further demonstrating its commitment to maritime innovation, HD Hyundai also entered into a tripartite agreement the same day with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Anduril. This comprehensive partnership is set to drive the development of cutting-edge autonomous maritime systems and, critically, establish the necessary regulatory and certification frameworks. These efforts are vital for defining operational standards and robust certification procedures, paving the way for the widespread commercialization of uncrewed vessels.
The strategic importance of these initiatives is underscored by robust market projections. According to Market Research Future, the global market for uncrewed underwater vehicles is anticipated to surge from $5.5 billion in 2025 to an impressive $25.8 billion by 2035, showcasing a compelling compound annual growth rate of 16.6 percent.
By leveraging these powerful partnerships, HD Hyundai is strategically positioning itself to secure a leading global presence in the uncrewed vessel market. The company aims to achieve this by seamlessly integrating its unparalleled shipbuilding expertise with advanced AI-based autonomous technologies, setting new benchmarks for maritime innovation.
Joo Won-ho, chief operating officer of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ naval and special ship business unit, emphasized the strategic imperative: “The uncrewed vessel sector is emerging as a key growth area in the global shipbuilding market, and securing a competitive edge is critical. Through cooperation with Anduril and ABS, we aim to demonstrate our technological capabilities on the global stage.”
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