South Korean shipbuilding conglomerate HD Hyundai has successfully completed testing of an uncrewed surface vessel equipped with autonomous control systems and artificial intelligence. The tests took place off the coast of California as part of cooperation with American defense-tech company Anduril Industries, and according to the corporate giant, they open up opportunities to enter the US uncrewed naval vessel market.
Tests off the California coast
According to VNA's correspondent in Seoul, the tests were organized in the Long Beach area and attended by about 40 officials and business representatives, including representatives of the US Navy, US Coast Guard, Republic of Korea Navy, and South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). HD Hyundai emphasized that this is the first time a South Korean company has tested a vessel of this type in US waters.
Vessel characteristics and test scenarios
The 3.5-hour program utilized a 368-ton displacement vessel modified from a craft previously operated by the US Navy. The ship performed automated navigation scenarios, mission switching, formation maneuvers, and engine failure response routines. The entire operation was controlled and transmitted in real-time from a shore-based control center, allowing observers to assess system performance remotely.
Technological architecture: VAone and Lattice
The testing system combines VAone autonomous ship software from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering with Anduril's Lattice artificial intelligence platform. In turn, VAone integrates the HiNAS Prime autonomous navigation technology developed by HD Hyundai subsidiary Avikus with equipment monitoring, anomaly detection, and troubleshooting functions. According to HD Hyundai, this combination provides coordinated navigation, engine management, mission planning, and fault handling.
Strategic goals and limitations
The tests also demonstrated the capability to integrate weapon-related functions, but the company explicitly noted this does not mean combat testing is complete or the ship is ready for commissioning. HD Hyundai stated it will use the results to explore opportunities to participate in US Navy uncrewed surface vessel development programs and to expand its presence in the international market.
