Anduril Industries, seeking to accelerate the production of autonomous ships, is partnering with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries—one of the world’s largest shipbuilders—to manufacture these vessels for the U.S. Navy’s hybrid fleet vision, as reported by Defense One.
The initial prototype, a dual-use autonomous surface vessel, will be constructed in Korea. However, subsequent models will be produced at the former Foss Shipyard in Seattle, Washington, which Anduril has designated as its U.S. hub for the assembly, integration, and testing of Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) for the Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) program.
The MASC program aims to combine the Navy’s previous large and medium unmanned surface vessel programs. Earlier this year, the Navy requested proposals for three prototype variants: a standard MASC, a high-capacity version, and one specifically designed for a single payload.
Shane Arnott, Anduril’s Senior Vice President of Programs and Engineering, mentioned that they have been preparing in advance of the competition by already beginning production in the U.S. and Korea. He expressed optimism that this preparation could enhance their chances of securing a Navy contract.
Through the collaboration with HD Hyundai, Anduril aims to produce autonomous vessels more rapidly, should the Pentagon require them. Arnott emphasized that they plan to manufacture “dozens of ships per year,” which entails scaling production beyond existing methods. He noted the importance of careful material selection and workforce planning, alongside advancements in supply chain and manufacturing processes informed by other industries.
HD Hyundai is actively expanding its operations, including partnerships with U.S. shipbuilders, to bolster domestic shipbuilding capacity. Nevertheless, the shipbuilding sector remains competitive and challenging, with emerging companies like Eureka Naval Craft, Havoc AI, Saronic, and Blue Water Autonomy also vying for opportunities through their partnerships and ambitions to construct their own vessels.
Chris Brose, Anduril’s President, acknowledged the company’s inexperience in producing autonomous warships at scale but expressed confidence in the partnership with HD Hyundai, given their extensive experience with significantly larger vessel deliveries. He believes that this collaboration will meet the U.S. Navy’s requirements effectively.
Additionally, the partnership positions Anduril to potentially supply autonomous ships to other nations as global defense spending rises. Brose highlighted the growing demand for maritime capacity and innovative approaches to naval warfare, suggesting that the low-cost autonomous vessels could attract interest from many international partners and allies.
