The world's largest shipbuilder is developing the advanced military vessel, codenamed Tenebris, jointly with Palantir, a U.S. big data company.
The two companies showcased the USV model at the AI EXPO for National Competitiveness in Washington, D.C., held from Tuesday to Wednesday (local time).
The 17-meter, 14-ton lightweight vessel is designed to stealthily perform reconnaissance missions near enemy areas.
It will feature high-performance hardware and advanced AI capabilities, integrated into Hyundai’s autonomous navigation and ship management system. The ship is scheduled for completion by 2026.
“We will take the leadership in the USV sector, an emerging blue ocean in the global vessel market, in collaboration with Palantir, a top-tier defense AI company,” HD Hyundai said.
The global USV market is estimated to be worth $920 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $2.7 billion by 2023, according to Allied Market Research.
HD Hyundai announced the joint project with Palantir in April. The Korean shipbuilder is actively advancing into the market, having won a contract for a concept design for a ship-borne USV commissioned by the Korean Navy.
