HD Hyundai and Anduril Run a 368-Ton Ex-Navy Test Ship Uncrewed off Long Beach
The shipbuilder-plus-software team put its uncrewed vessel autonomy in front of US Navy observers as Anduril chases the Navy's medium USV program with commercial yards.
The shipbuilder-plus-software team put its uncrewed vessel autonomy in front of US Navy observers as Anduril chases the Navy's medium USV program with commercial yards.
HD Hyundai and Anduril demonstrated autonomous operation of a modified 368-ton former US Navy test vessel off Long Beach, California, HD Hyundai said Monday, Oct. 19. The shipbuilder called it the first such demonstration by a South Korean company in US waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did HD Hyundai and Anduril demonstrate?
Autonomous operation of a modified 368-ton uncrewed surface test vessel, previously operated by the US Navy, off Long Beach, California. HD Hyundai announced the demonstration on Oct. 19.
Which software ran the vessel?
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering's VAone handled ship autonomy, including machinery monitoring and damage response, and Anduril's Lattice handled mission autonomy, according to HD Hyundai.
What scenarios were tested?
Over 3.5 hours, the vessel ran autonomous navigation, mission changes, formation operations and emergency responses to simulated engine failure, per HD Hyundai. No published account lists a live weapons event.
Who watched the demonstration?
About 40 officials, including representatives of the US Navy, US Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, South Korean Navy and South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the company said.
What Navy program are the companies targeting?
Anduril named the Navy's Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) program in an April 20 release, with HD Hyundai building the first hull in Ulsan and Edison Chouest Offshore producing vessels at US yards.
When is the first Ulsan-built vessel due?
Anduril said in April that the first ship was on track to be in the water and tested by the end of 2026.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
Read next — from the Lexicon
Below this point
6 more sections.
Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.