Hyundai Heavy Industries teams up with Palantir Technologies in a strategic collaboration. Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) have become vital in the US Navy, carrying out various tasks from surveillance to combat. The global market for USVs is expected to grow to $2.7 billion by 2032, with an annual growth rate of 11.5%.

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), a renowned shipbuilding company from South Korea, has announced a partnership with Palantir Technologies, a leading US software firm, to venture into the development of USVs by 2026. The aim is to harness advanced technology to innovate in naval warfare, in response to the evolving defense requirements worldwide.

Progress and Goals

Hyundai and Palantir plan to collaborate on the development of reconnaissance USVs by 2026, with a vision to expand into combat USVs in the future. This collaboration merges the expertise of Avikas, a developer of autonomous navigation solutions linked with HHI, and Palantir's artificial intelligence-driven mission autonomy technology.

HHI, the world's largest shipbuilder, will focus on equipping USVs with cutting-edge technology and enhancing integrated software solutions for these vessels. By integrating autonomous navigation technology with defense AI, the goal is to improve the performance of USVs under challenging conditions, enabling them to carry out tasks previously done by manned vessels.

Market Growth

The global USV market, valued at $920 million in 2022, is forecasted to grow to $2.7 billion by 2032, reflecting a yearly growth rate of 11.5%. With the increasing demand for USVs in defense applications, Hyundai Heavy Industries and Palantir aim to enhance their USV models to meet the future requirements of the US and South Korean defense markets.

Won-ho from HD Hyundai's special ship business unit emphasized the importance of innovations in the USV field, highlighting how the collaboration will leverage each other's strengths to gain a competitive advantage in this emerging industry. Ryan Taylor, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer at Palantir, stressed the strategic significance of integrating AI capabilities into naval operations to enhance collective security for the US and its allies.

USVs are becoming increasingly crucial in the US Navy for various mission types, including surveillance and combat. In response, Hyundai and Palantir are developing USVs that align with market demands, combining AI technology and leveraging their respective strengths to deliver innovative products that enhance maritime security and operational effectiveness.

The partnership between Hyundai Heavy Industries and Palantir Technologies marks a significant advancement in the realm of uncrewed surface vessels and naval warfare. By pooling their knowledge and technology, both companies are advancing autonomous maritime systems, fostering innovation, and reinforcing their strategic partnership in the defense sector.