SEOUL: HD Hyundai has teamed up with Palantir Technologies, a US software company, to develop uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) by 2026, according to the South Korean shipbuilding conglomerate.

Officials from HD Hyundai and Palantir signed a memorandum of understanding at the US side’s office in Washington, DC, last Thursday.

The two sides plan to develop reconnaissance USVs by 2026 and expand their portfolio to combat USVs later on.

In doing so, Avikus, an autonomous navigation solutions developer that was launched as an in-house venture of HD Hyundai in 2020, will put together its autonomous navigation software with Palantir’s artificial intelligence (AI)-based mission autonomy technology.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s biggest shipbuilder, will integrate cutting-edge equipment that will be loaded onto USVs with the software systems and take charge of developing high-performance hulls.

Palantir is considered one of the leading AI players in the US defence sector as it has clients in the US Department of Defense, Navy and Army.

The company has also worked with Lockheed Martin to modernise the US Navy’s integrated battle system.

“The USV market is a new blue ocean that is controlled by state-of-the-art technologies,” said Joo Won-ho, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ special ship business unit.

“The two companies will pioneer this sector based on their achievements and the trust they have built.”

As the existing USVs have limitations in operating under extreme conditions such as high waves and carrying out missions on par with crewed vessels, the two companies said they will look to develop distinguished models by combining their autonomous navigation technology and defence AI.USVs are regarded as a required battle force as they can replace crewed vessels to scout dangerous areas, search for sea mines and remove them, and conduct combat missions.

According to Allied Market Research’s report, the global USV market reached US$920mil in 2022 and is expected to hit US$2.7bil by 2032 with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%.

HD Hyundai and Palantir said they plan to optimise their USV models to cope with market demands from the United States and South Korea.

“We are thrilled to partner with HD Hyundai as the world’s leading shipbuilder, and to build on the work we are already doing deploying AI in South Korean shipyards,” said Ryan Taylor, chief revenue officer and chief legal officer at Palantir.

“By bringing AI capabilities to the future of naval warfare, we are continuing to build a defence ecosystem that will cement the competitive advantage of the United States and its Allies.”

 - ANN