---
title: "HD Hyundai tests AI-powered uncrewed surface vessel off California coast"
description: "South Korea's HD Hyundai, together with Anduril, has tested an AI-powered uncrewed surface vessel off the coast of California, paving the way for entry into the US military autonomous ship market."
date: 2026-10-20T01:28:06.215Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/hd-hyundai-ai-uncrewed-surface-vessel-california-tests
tags: [hd-hyundai, unmanned-surface-vessel, anduril, autonomous-ship, south-korea, us-navy]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# HD Hyundai tests AI-powered uncrewed surface vessel off California coast

![South Korean submarine moving across the blue ocean water surface](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/20/hd-hyundai-bespilotnoe-nadvodnoe-sudno-issytaniya-ssha/hd-hyundai-bespilotnoe-nadvodnoe-sudno-issytaniya-ssha-1.webp)

## Key Points

- HD Hyundai and Anduril tested an AI-powered uncrewed surface vessel in the Long Beach, California area.
- The tests lasted 3.5 hours on a 368-ton displacement vessel modified from a former US Navy craft.
- The system combines VAone software (featuring Avikus HiNAS Prime technology) and Anduril's Lattice AI platform.
- The company notes this is the first test of such a vessel by a South Korean firm in US waters and signals intent to pursue US Navy programs.

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Южная Корея: Компания Hyundai проводит испытания беспилотного надводного судна в США.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/han-quoc-hyundai-thu-nghiem-tau-mat-nuoc-khong-nguoi-lai-tai-my) - Primary source (VNA correspondent in Seoul). The fact of testing, participants, vessel characteristics, and technological stack are described; key formulations ('first time', US market intentions) are statements by HD Hyundai itself, with no independent confirmation in the provided sources.

## FAQ

### Where and with whom did the tests take place?

In the Long Beach area off the coast of California, with about 40 officials and business representatives, including the US Navy, US Coast Guard, ROK Navy, and DAPA.

### What vessel was used?

An uncrewed surface vessel with a displacement of 368 tons, modified from a craft previously operated by the US Navy; the tests lasted 3.5 hours.

### What technologies were used?

A combination of VAone software from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (with HiNAS Prime autonomous navigation technology from Avikus) and Anduril's Lattice AI platform.

### Is the vessel ready for combat use?

No. The company stated that the tests only demonstrated the feasibility of weapon-related integration and do not signify completed combat trials or operational readiness.