South Korea is accelerating efforts to integrate autonomous surface combatants into its naval force structure, aiming to enable effective manned-unmanned teaming in maritime operations. The initiative focuses on developing core systems for combat-capable unmanned surface vessels that can operate in close coordination with crewed ships, enhancing fleet reach, resilience, and operational flexibility.
The technology roadmap centers on an integrated navigation and command control framework that allows unmanned vessels to execute high-level commands while maintaining synchronization with manned fleets. Supporting this is an automated weapons management and launch system, designed to handle functions typically performed by onboard sailors. An overarching autonomous mission system enables end-to-end mission planning and execution, supporting crew-optional operations across reconnaissance, strike, and support roles.
Development is being spearheaded by LIG Nex1, in partnership with South Korea’s defense research and planning authorities, under a government-funded program valued at around 49 billion won. Running through December 2030, the 60-month effort aims to de-risk and mature technologies required for the next phase of South Korea’s Combat USV Batch-II program, laying the foundation for long-range unmanned strike and future naval autonomy.
