Joint Promotion of Localization for Unmanned Target Drone Components
Expanding the Scope of Cooperation in Naval Vessel Projects
HJ Heavy Industries and Korean Air have joined forces to localize components for unmanned target drones used in multipurpose training support boats (MTB). Both parties have agreed to combine their respective technologies and strengths to jointly promote the localization project for unmanned target drone components.
On the 8th, HJ Heavy Industries announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Korean Air for technical cooperation on maritime unmanned vehicles and ship systems for MTB.
The MTB is a naval training support vessel equipped with systems for anti-ship and anti-air guided missile firing, anti-submarine torpedo launching, and electronic warfare training support. It is a 230-ton twin-hulled vessel measuring 45 meters in length and 15 meters in width, capable of high-speed maneuvering at up to 25 knots (46.3 km/h). It can carry unmanned target boats, unmanned target drones, underwater communication devices, torpedo recovery boats, and electronic warfare training support systems. HJ Heavy Industries conducted the MTB exploratory development project commissioned by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration in 2013, built a lead ship based on its own design, and subsequently constructed three follow-up vessels.
This business agreement aims to localize imported components of unmanned target drones mounted on the MTB and verify their performance. Both parties plan to jointly carry out component localization project identification, project preparation, marketing activities, and review cooperation plans for joint development, expanding the scope of collaboration to the entire shipbuilding project.
Yoo Sang-chul, CEO of HJ Heavy Industries, stated, "As the builder of the Navy's first dedicated training support vessel, the MTB, we are committed to providing technical support for component localization." He added, "We will actively participate in equipment performance enhancement and advanced combat system projects to contribute to strengthening maritime power."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
