Anduril and Hyundai Heavy Team Up for US Navy Drone Program

Anduril, a prominent American defense technology firm, has joined forces with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries to develop a new class of maritime drones. Their collaboration aims to compete for a position in the US Navy’s unmanned surface vessel program, which seeks innovative solutions for modern naval operations.

The two companies announced their partnership today, emphasizing the capabilities of their autonomous surface vessel (ASV). According to a statement from Anduril, the ASV is designed for modularity, rapid production, and versatile mission profiles. The vessel features an open-architecture design that allows for interchangeable payloads, enabling it to conduct a variety of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, strike, and electronic warfare. A distinctive central superstructure provides a 360-degree field of view, enhancing situational awareness and optimizing payload performance.

Addressing the Navy’s Needs

The ASV is positioned as a potential candidate for the Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) initiative, which envisions a family of unmanned vessels that can be easily constructed and repaired. The Navy is adopting a new approach in its solicitation process, moving away from traditional strict requirements to a more flexible, competition-based model akin to the Defense Innovation Unit style.

Production of the first dual-use ASV prototype is currently underway in South Korea. This prototype will validate the designs and integrate propulsion and power systems, with the aim of automating ship functions before preparing for production in the United States. Future vessels, including the MASC variant, will be entirely constructed in the US. Anduril has committed tens of millions of dollars to revitalize the former Foss Shipyard in Seattle, Washington, which had been closed in October 2021 due to the company’s evaluation of its business operations.

The Pentagon has expressed concerns over the decline of commercial and defense-oriented shipyards in recent decades, particularly in light of China’s extensive shipbuilding capabilities. Anduril believes the Pacific Northwest is an ideal location for its new maritime drone production. The company states that the region, known for its historical shipbuilding legacy, offers the necessary infrastructure, supply chain depth, and skilled workforce to enhance US shipbuilding capacity.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning

Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, Anduril has aggressively sought opportunities across various technology sectors valued by the Pentagon. The firm has aimed to compete with established defense contractors for both Navy and Air Force unmanned aviation programs.

Hyundai Heavy Industries, one of South Korea’s leading shipbuilders, has also been making strides to establish a foothold in the US defense market. The company has pursued a range of industry partnerships, including a broader collaboration with Anduril focused on developing autonomous systems. Recent agreements with German company Siemens and American shipbuilder HII further illustrate Hyundai’s commitment to strengthening its position within the US maritime industrial base.

As both companies move forward, the partnership represents not only a significant step in advancing unmanned maritime technologies but also a concerted effort to bolster the US defense industry in a competitive global landscape.