Hanwha Systems' Launched Unmanned Surface Vehicle Is

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Domestic defense companies are actively developing unmanned surface vessels. Since these vessels can operate for up to 12 hours without a crew onboard, they can replace coastal surveillance or coast guard patrol boats.

Due to their high utility in both military and civilian sectors, the unmanned surface vessel market is growing at an annual rate exceeding 13.8%. The industry expects the market size to reach approximately 1.2 trillion KRW by 2023. Exports to Southeast Asian countries, where maritime industries are rapidly expanding, are also feasible. This is why the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries are investing a total of 160.3 billion KRW from 2020 to 2025 in the 'Autonomous Ship Technology Development Project.'

Unmanned surface vessels developed by domestic defense companies are also notable. Hanwha Systems developed the unmanned surface vessel 'Aura.' Developed through internal investment since 2018, Aura participated in the complex mission unmanned surface vessel development project led by the Agency for Defense Development, gaining recognition for its hull design technology and autonomous navigation technology.

Measuring 6 meters in length and weighing 1.2 tons, Aura can operate at an average speed of 20 knots for 12 hours. As an unmanned surface vessel, it integrates artificial intelligence (AI), GPS (Global Positioning System), IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and radar analysis functions. Particularly critical is the collision avoidance technology based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG). This technology enables the vessel to autonomously avoid obstacles. Applying this technology allows the vessel to evade approaching ships or overtake them, which is essential for autonomous navigation.

A Hanwha Systems official stated, "Developing unmanned surface vessels is challenging due to natural conditions such as waves, wind, and currents at sea," adding, "However, the technological gap with countries like Israel, which also develop unmanned surface vessels, is not significant, so we can sufficiently secure the unmanned surface vessel market in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.