Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the renowned South Korean shipbuilding firm, has stated that it will be collaborating with Palantir Technologies, which is a leading US-based software firm, to enter the USV development field by 2026. The goal of collaboration is to leverage the potential of sophisticated technology and to innovate in naval warfare, meeting the current global defense needs.
Key developments
HD Hyundai and Palantir will implement their knowledge for the development of reconnaissance USVs until 2026 with an ambition to continue their work into combat USVs in the future. The collaboration ties together Avikas, an autonomous navigation solutions developer that is associated with HD Hyundai, and the artificial intelligence-based mission autonomy technology that is made by Palantir Technologies.
HHI, the world’s largest shipbuilder, will be responsible for the installation of the latest equipment onto USVs and will enhance the integrated software solutions for the USVs developed together. An integration of autonomous navigation technology with defense AI is directed towards overcoming the disadvantages of USVs currently in service and increasing their performance levels under extreme conditions to execute tasks just as deadly crewed vessels used to do previously.
Market expansion
Global USV market, which was worth $920 million in 2022, is projected to reach $2.7 billion by the year 2032 with an annual growth rate of 11.5%. As the demand for USVs in defense is growing, HD Hyundai and Palantir try to perfect their USV models and take into account the future needs of both the US and South Korean markets.
On the collaboration, Won-ho of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ special ship business unit noted that innovations and breakthroughs in the USV field have a meaning. He indicated the combined efforts will translate into utilizing each other’s competences and giving them a competitive edge in the emerging area.
Ryan Taylor, the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Legal Officer and Palantir highlighted the strategic necessity of integrating AI capabilities into Naval Warfare. He highlighted how this partnership serves to strengthen the defense ecosystem that encompasses the United States and its allies, leading to an increased collective security.
The USVs gained much importance in US Navy, they perform multiple types of missions that include surveillance and combat, in light of this, HD Hyundai and Palantir are developing their USVs with the desire to meet the market demand. Their collaboration is based on AI technology and exploring each other`s strengths with the purpose on delivering novelty products that reduce maritime insecurity and increase operational efficiency.
The partnership between the Hyundai Heavy Industries and Palantir Technologies signifies a significant step in the future of the unmanned surface vessels and further on the naval warfare. Both of these companies, through implementation of their unique collective knowledge and technology, continue the progress on autonomous maritime architecture and at the same time reinforce their innovation and strategic partnership in the defense sector.
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