How the Anduril-HHI autonomous ship plan fits in with the US Navy’s MASC programme
Anduril is already developing the Ghost Shark XL-AUV for the Royal Australian Navy. (Photo: Anduril)
The new modular vessel is expected to be developed for both commercial and defence use, with a heavy focus on production speed and mission flexibility.
Anduril has revealed plans to create a new class of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) through a partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, with the first prototype to be fabricated in South Korea before building further ships in the US.
The companies also plan to develop a version to meet the requirements of the US Navy’s (USN) Modular Surface Attack Surface Craft (MASC) programme, which is part of the USN’s ambitions to create a hybrid fleet and enhance its maritime defence capabilities.
The ASV to be built by Anduril and HD Hyundai will offer an open-architecture design to support interchangeable payloads.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200]()
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
![US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies]()
US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies
The US Navy is increasing the use of OTA obligations to accelerate the procurement of seabed-subsea, littoral, expeditionary and uncrewed solutions.
