Hanwha Systems Begins Development of Future Navy's Core 'Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Prototype'

Essential for Reconnaissance and Combat... "Proving Synergy Between 'System-Ocean' Affiliates"
Win-Win with the Navy... "Contributing to Force Enhancement Through Underwater Unmanned System Technology Superiority"

Hanwha Systems announced on the 10th that it has signed a contract for the production and purchase of the 'Extra-large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) System Technology Verification Prototype' project worth approximately 25 billion KRW, led by the Agency for Defense Development.

This is a cornerstone for the development of the future Navy's exclusive underwater operation 'Mission Reconfigurable eXtra-large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (MRXUUV) system.' The project aims to secure foundational technology for the future development of extra-large reconnaissance and combat unmanned underwater vehicles.

The extra-large UUV enables the execution of various missions in extensive underwater areas such as long-range underwater surveillance reconnaissance and mine laying. It is gaining attention as a future advanced maritime weapon system to counter asymmetric enemy forces.

Hanwha Systems will produce a prototype to verify the foundational technology of the extra-large UUV capable of performing long-distance autonomous missions by August 2027. The prototype will include ▲ design and integration of modular UUV platforms that can be reconfigured according to missions, ▲ mission control equipment capable of autonomous control and remote communication mission control of the UUV, ▲ mission payloads for weapon operation, and ▲ masts specialized for underwater and surface operational environments to verify the extra-large UUV system.

An image of the 'Ultra-large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle System Technology Verification Prototype' led by the Agency for Defense Development and developed by Hanwha Systems
[Photo by Agency for Defense Development]

The company stated that the project is significant as Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean are participating as a consortium, demonstrating synergy among the group's defense affiliates. Hanwha Ocean possesses dedicated infrastructure for unmanned system integration, inspection, and testing of UUVs in a 'one-stop' manner, as well as maritime test areas where sea trials can be conducted anytime without restrictions from maritime traffic control systems. Hanwha Systems plans to utilize Hanwha Ocean's facilities to test and verify the extra-large UUV prototype.

Park Dohyun, Head of the Command and Control Business Division at Hanwha Systems, said, "As the importance of unmanned underwater vehicles is highlighted in modern warfare, major advanced countries are actively conducting research on UUVs ranging from small to extra-large sizes. Hanwha Systems will enhance competitiveness by advancing core underwater unmanned system technologies and actively contribute to securing future naval power by gaining technological superiority."

Hanwha Systems has previously participated in a large-scale reconnaissance UUV development project led by the Agency for Defense Development. It secured foundational technology for the first large-scale submarine flampot development in Korea.

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