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HD Hyundai to co-develop unmanned surface vessel with US AI firm Palantir

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Joo Won-ho, left, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' naval and special ship business unit, and Palantir Technologies Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Legal Officer Ryan Taylor sign a memorandum of understanding for joint development of unmanned surface vessel (USV) at the U.S. artificial intelligence company's office in Washington, D.C., Thursday (local time). The Korean shipbuilder said Sunday that they will develop an USV for maritime reconnaissance by 2026 and then come up with an USV for combat at sea. They will also upgrade their USV model to satisfy the navies of Korea and the U.S. Courtesy of HD Hyundai

Joo Won-ho, left, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' naval and special ship business unit, and Palantir Technologies Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Legal Officer Ryan Taylor sign a memorandum of understanding for joint development of unmanned surface vessel (USV) at the U.S. artificial intelligence company's office in Washington, D.C., Thursday (local time). The Korean shipbuilder said Sunday that they will develop an USV for maritime reconnaissance by 2026 and then come up with an USV for combat at sea. They will also upgrade their USV model to satisfy the navies of Korea and the U.S. Courtesy of HD Hyundai

Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said Sunday it has partnered with U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) company Palantir Technologies to co-develop an unmanned surface vessel (USV) for maritime surveillance.

Under the memorandum of understanding signed recently, the two companies will cooperate in developing a USV for maritime surveillance by 2026, and later expand their partnership to produce a USV for use in combat at sea.

HD Hyundai said USVs are considered a game-changer in future naval warfare, as they replace traditional manned vessels to undertake various missions in hazardous zones, including surveillance, mine detection and removal, and combat.

For the project, HD Hyundai said it plans to integrate the autonomous navigation software from its subsidiary Avikus with Palantir's AI-based mission autonomy technology.

Palantir Technologies has served major clients such as the U.S. Department of Defense, the Navy and the Army. It has participated in projects such as the modernization of integrated combat systems for the American Navy through collaboration with Lockheed Martin.

Joo Won-ho, head of the naval special ship business unit at HD Hyundai Heavy, said, "The USV market is a blue ocean market where advanced technology plays a decisive role." He added HD Hyundai and Palantir will pioneer this field based on achievements and trust accumulated by both companies. (Yonhap)