[2025 MADEX] Jung Kiseon, Senior Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai: "Contributing to Global Maritime Security with AI-Based Combat Ships"

Co-hosted Reception with LIG Nex1
"We Will Do Our Best as Team Korea"

Jung Kiseon, Senior Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, attended the 'International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2025' held at BEXCO in Busan on the 28th and stated, "We will develop top-tier naval vessels that support global maritime security based on advanced technology."

At the reception jointly hosted by HD Hyundai and LIG Nex1 that afternoon, Jung said, "HD Hyundai is securing world-class technological capabilities in AI-based unmanned and automated systems, as well as electrification, by partnering with global companies," and made the above remarks.

Jung Kiseon, Senior Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, is making a toast during the reception at the opening of 'MADEX 2025, the 2025 International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition,' held on the 28th at BEXCO in Busan. Photo by Cho Sungpil

He continued, "Starting with the Ulsan, the first combat ship built in Korea, HD Hyundai has constructed a total of 106 naval vessels to date, of which 18 have been exported overseas," adding, "The foundation for Korea's growth into a leading shipbuilding nation was our longstanding dedication to shipbuilding technology."

Referring to the HD Hyundai promotional video shown at the event, Jung emphasized, "General Na Daeyong, who designed the Turtle Ship, was the person who inspired Chairman Chung Ju-yung in the shipbuilding industry," and added, "Carrying on that vision, HD Hyundai will contribute to global maritime security by developing naval vessels that incorporate advanced technologies."

After touring the HD Hyundai exhibition hall at the event, Jung met with representatives from naval delegations and major defense industry companies from various countries to exchange views on the overall naval vessel business. Attendees included Yang Yongmo, Chief of Naval Operations, Neil Koprowski, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Korea, as well as representatives from seven countries: Peru, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Thailand, Colombia, and Kenya.

Speaking with reporters after the event, Jung said, "The Special Ship Division at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has made extensive preparations over the past several years," and added, "We have prepared a range of naval vessels of various sizes to respond to diverse global maritime security needs." He continued, "The recent achievements in overseas defense exports to countries such as Peru and the Philippines are the result of these efforts," and stated, "We will continue to do our best as Team Korea going forward."

For this event, HD Hyundai and LIG Nex1 set up an integrated exhibition booth covering 218 square meters. Held every two years, MADEX is the largest maritime defense industry exhibition in Korea, where visitors can see the latest naval weapon systems of the Korean military as well as naval and maritime defense systems from around the world all in one place. At this event, which runs through the 30th, HD Hyundai plans to unveil, for the first time, its export-type frigate and AI-based next-generation unmanned combat ships.