Hanwha Systems Unveils Full Lineup of AI-Based Unmanned Maritime Systems: "Pioneering the Future Maritime Battlefield"

Full Lineup of Automatic Mine Detection System and Unmanned Surface Vehicles Unveiled
Successful Demonstration of AI-Based Mine Countermeasure Operations

Hanwha Systems showcased its entire lineup of unmanned maritime systems in one place, implementing an integrated manned-unmanned combat system based on artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite communications on site.

A multipurpose reconnaissance unmanned surface vessel Haeryeong developed by Hanwha Systems. Provided by Hanwha Systems.

On August 3, Hanwha Systems announced that it had successfully completed a demonstration of an "AI-based integrated manned-unmanned combat system for mine countermeasures" at the Busan Naval Operations Command base.

This demonstration served to prove cutting-edge operational capabilities achieved through public-private collaboration and to present a vision for the future development of naval combat capabilities.

Naval mines, often referred to as "the mines of the sea," are weapons that explode when ships or underwater objects approach them. Recently, they have emerged as a major asymmetric threat in key maritime locations around the world, such as the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, the ability to precisely detect and remove mines, while minimizing casualties, has become a core priority for military authorities worldwide.

During the demonstration, Hanwha Systems deployed its full array of unmanned systems: the AI-based Automatic Mine Detection System (AMDS), a 30-ton-class combat unmanned surface vehicle developed and introduced in June through its own investment, the reconnaissance unmanned surface vehicle Haeryeong, and the autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle (AUV) for underwater exploration. Impressively, the company also integrated a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite-based hyperconnected network and advanced command and control technologies capable of managing multiple and diverse unmanned assets simultaneously.

The demonstration assumed a scenario where unidentified explosive threats were detected at sea. Upon receiving mine threat information, a command was entered into the large language model (LLM)-powered "AI Mission Plan Generation" platform: "Generate a mission plan to locate mines at the explosion site at sea." The AI platform immediately provided optimal operational routes and missions in real time, marking the start of the mission.

Subsequently, the reconnaissance unmanned surface vehicle Haeryeong, a military reconnaissance drone (UAV), and a navy manned mine countermeasure vessel set out in sequence, launching a multi-layered joint operation between civil and military units. The autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle (AUV) mounted on Haeryeong navigated the seabed autonomously according to the AI-generated plan, performing search missions, while the collected big data was sent in real time to the Automatic Mine Detection System (AMDS).

The hyperconnected network was also a focal point of the demonstration. Hanwha Systems utilized Eutelsat OneWeb’s low Earth orbit satellite network to simultaneously operate and control both the autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle and two types of unmanned surface vehicles from a land-based control center. By leveraging LEO satellite communications, which are not constrained by physical distance, the operational radius for combat unmanned surface vehicles is expected to expand dramatically, and uninterrupted control will be possible even in the event of electronic interference.

Hanwha Systems has secured the full lineup of underwater and maritime unmanned systems, ranging from reconnaissance and combat unmanned surface vehicles, autonomous unmanned underwater vehicles for underwater exploration, unmanned underwater vehicles for anti-submarine reconnaissance, to next-generation mine countermeasure devices — all with its own technologies. Building on the success of this demonstration, the company plans to accelerate its drive to lead the next-generation defense solutions market integrating AI and satellite communications.

Moonki Yoo, Head of Maritime Business at Hanwha Systems, stated, "Through this demonstration, we have fully validated our 'physical AI' technology, which optimizes the operations between the AI-based mission plan generation platform and real maritime assets, as well as our integrated command and control capabilities. We will spare no effort in investing in the development of maritime unmanned systems, which will be a key strategic asset for future navies and a potential game changer in naval warfare."

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