[Militech] Hanwha Systems Sets Sights on Dominating the $6.2 Billion Unmanned Vessel Market

Prototype Development of 30-Ton USVs
Diverse Lineup Ranges from Loitering USVs to Mine Clearance

Hanwha has entered the unmanned surface vessel (USV) market, motivated by its substantial growth potential. According to market research firm Market Research Future, the global USV market is projected to reach USD 6.2 billion (approximately KRW 8.68 trillion) by 2034, more than doubling from USD 2.6 billion (about KRW 3.64 trillion) in 2024.

The expansion of the USV market is driven by proven performance in real combat situations. Ukraine has equipped USVs with short-range missiles to counter the Russian Black Sea Fleet. For the Ukrainian military, which currently has almost no naval power, unmanned surface vessels have emerged as a "game changer" capable of impacting the course of the war. Following maritime drones, the Ukrainian military has reportedly developed and is testing a new unmanned underwater vehicle called "Marichka," capable of covertly approaching and attacking targets underwater. China is also actively involved in this field. The Orca (JARI-USV) unmanned surface vessel has already been deployed forward. Recently, 80 small USVs, each about 1.6 meters long, were simultaneously deployed along the southern coast of China to test swarm unmanned underwater operations—an exercise assuming a contingency in the Taiwan Strait.

Countries that lack the capability to develop USVs domestically are turning to domestic defense companies. Last year, Greece attended a demonstration of Hanwha Systems’ USV. Due to its unique geography, Greece has over 6,000 islands and a complex coastline. The country faces challenges such as refugees crossing from North Africa and maritime disputes with its rival Türkiye, but suffers from a severe shortage of manpower. Recently, inquiries have also been coming from Australia, Poland, and Estonia.

Hanwha is accelerating next-generation technology development to capture the USV market. Last month, Hanwha Defense USA, the company’s U.S. defense subsidiary, formed a strategic partnership with Magnet Defense, a company specializing in autonomous navigation. Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense plan to manufacture the "H38," a 38-meter medium-sized USV for delivery to the U.S. Department of Defense. The H38 is expected to combine Hanwha’s technology with Magnet Defense’s flagship model, the "M48." The M48 currently boasts the longest operational range among USVs in service, with a range of 17,000 nautical miles (about 31,484 kilometers).

Hanwha Systems is already constructing a prototype vessel. This 30-ton class USV is twice the size of the "Haeryeong (SEA GHOST, 14-ton class)." It will be equipped with a 12.7mm Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) and a loitering unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Additionally, there is a docking-type autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle that can be launched from a submarine torpedo tube. The already built prototype anti-submarine reconnaissance unmanned underwater vehicle can remain submerged for over 30 days. To improve submerged efficiency, it is the first to be equipped with a fuel cell. Measuring only 7 meters in length, it is virtually impossible for enemy submarines to detect. Hanwha is also developing a self-destructing USV, which is expected to be introduced soon through the military’s "Rapid Demonstration Acquisition Project."

An automated mine detection system is also under development. Naval mines are explosives deployed on or under the sea to block enemy vessels' movement. Because they are difficult to detect and can damage the most vulnerable parts of ships, they can be deadly in wartime. During the Incheon Landing Operation in the Korean War, North Korean mines were the biggest obstacle, and speculation about mine explosions arose during the Cheonan sinking in 2010. In a recent South Korea-U.S. mine detection exercise, Hanwha Systems' mine identification device was installed on a 730-ton class minesweeper of the Korean military and achieved a 100 percent detection rate. A Hanwha Systems official stated, "With the completion of the proven Haeryeong USV project, we plan to expand into overseas markets."

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