South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries showed this scale model of the 4,000t HCX-25 future combat ship, combining various technologies for future adoption. (Photo: author)
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
South Korea’s shipbuilding industry continues to develop ambitious naval concepts, with many of these next-generation surface and subsurface designs showcased at the recent MADEX 2025 exhibition, held in Busan last month, as manufacturers explore future deployment and export opportunities.
HHI’s HCX-25 concept combines autonomy, AI and new technologies
Shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) exhibited its 4,000t HCX-25 future combat ship, a concept combining various technologies for potential adoption perhaps a decade or two later. It has a naval cockpit, similar to that found on Fincantieri’s PPA, meaning the bridge crewing can reduce to just two navigators thanks to artificial
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
-
![Ukraine war drives ‘minimum deployable capability’ doctrine in uncrewed systems development]()
Ukraine war drives ‘minimum deployable capability’ doctrine in uncrewed systems development
Ukraine’s battlefield has rewritten the rules of uncrewed systems development. For Syos Aerospace, real-time operator feedback, lean serial production and a system-of-systems philosophy are central to its operating model.
-
![Sealift shortfalls set to drive opportunities across NATO navies]()
Sealift shortfalls set to drive opportunities across NATO navies
A new Council on Geostrategy primer warns that NATO cannot defend its own supply lines. As the alliance faces a sealift and logistics escort deficit, a wave of unawarded procurement is beginning to take shape.
-
![AUKUS advance on UUVs contrasts with Virginia-class compromise]()
AUKUS advance on UUVs contrasts with Virginia-class compromise
The AUKUS partnership is accelerating uncrewed undersea capability while its submarine arm inches forward, and Australia’s decision to settle for three in-service Virginia-class boats raises questions about industrial risk, dependency and whether Pillar II may deliver meaningful capability long before Pillar I can.
-
![Peru partnership may serve as a template for South Korean naval exports into South America]()
Peru partnership may serve as a template for South Korean naval exports into South America
With a growing pipeline of naval modernisation programmes in South America, South Korean companies could be set to expand their presence in the region as recent contract wins highlight growing collaboration.
