Hanwha Systems has launched a self-developed 30-ton class unmanned surface vessel. Launching refers to putting a newly built ship into the water for the first time, equivalent to a birth ceremony for the vessel. This ship has begun trial operations to verify whether its onboard autonomous navigation technology functions properly.

Hanwha Systems announced on the 9th that it successfully launched the 30-ton class unmanned surface vessel early last month near Gadeok Bridge in Busan. The unmanned surface vessel is currently conducting trial sailings between Busan and Jangmok Port in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province. The objective is to verify the stability of artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomous navigation technology by the end of next year. The trials are intended to confirm whether the technology operates reliably even under conditions such as congested waters where U-turns are difficult, high waves, and strong winds.

The company has recently accelerated development of unmanned surface vessels in line with the global naval defense market trend toward combined manned-unmanned combat systems. Following the 30-ton class, Hanwha Systems plans to launch a 140-ton class unmanned surface vessel by the end of this year. The total investment for the two types of vessels is approximately KRW 70 billion.

Unmanned surface vessels undertake extremely dangerous, long-duration missions such as mine (sea mine) clearance and operations to detect and respond to enemy submarines. According to global market research firm Grand View Research, the global unmanned surface vessel market is projected to grow from approximately KRW 3,014 billion this year at an average annual rate of around 12% to reach about KRW 4,658 billion by 2030.

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