HD Hyundai and US Palantir to Develop 'Unmanned Surface Vessel' Replacing Manned Ships

Development for Reconnaissance in 2026
Expansion to Combat Development

HD Hyundai is partnering with the U.S.-based artificial intelligence (AI) data analytics company Palantir Technologies (hereinafter Palantir) to develop Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs).

USVs are autonomous surface vessels that operate without human control and are gaining attention as a future naval "game changer." They perform various missions such as surveillance and reconnaissance in hazardous areas, mine detection and removal, and combat, replacing traditional manned vessels. Recently, they have been deployed in actual operations, playing a key role as asymmetric forces.

On the 14th, HD Hyundai announced that it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Palantir for the development of unmanned surface vessels. The two companies plan to develop reconnaissance USVs that can lead the global market by 2026 and subsequently expand development to combat USVs.

Existing USVs have limitations in operating under harsh conditions such as high waves and do not match the mission capabilities of manned vessels. Through this agreement, the two companies aim to develop a differentiated model by combining their accumulated autonomous navigation technology with advanced defense AI.

Joo Won-ho, Head of Special Ship Business at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (left), and Ryan Taylor, Palantir Global Sales Representative (CRO) and Chief Legal Officer (CLO), are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of unmanned surface vessels at Palantir's office in Washington D.C., USA, and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by HD Hyundai

The two companies will integrate HD Hyundai’s autonomous navigation software from its specialized autonomous navigation company Avikus with Palantir’s Mission Autonomy (AI-based mission automation). HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will integrate the advanced equipment and systems to be installed and take charge of developing high-performance hulls.

Palantir is considered the top U.S. defense AI company, serving major clients such as the U.S. Department of Defense, Navy, and Army. It has also participated in the modernization project of the integrated combat system for Lockheed Martin, the world’s number one defense company, and the U.S. Navy.

At the signing ceremony, Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Special Ship Business, said, "The unmanned vessel market is a new blue ocean driven by advanced technology. Based on the achievements and trust built by both companies, we will pioneer this field."

Ryan Taylor, Palantir’s Global Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Chief Legal Officer (CLO), said, "We are honored to establish a defense partnership with HD Hyundai, a global leader in shipbuilding, following our digital transformation efforts. By applying AI capabilities to future naval warfare, we will continue to build a defense ecosystem that strengthens the competitive edge of the U.S. and its allies."

Previously, HD Hyundai signed MOUs with U.S. defense companies GE Aerospace and L3Harris, establishing strategic partnerships for ship propulsion system development, U.S. naval ship MRO projects, and securing shipbuilding contracts in Australia and Canada.