Hanwha Systems unveiled its full lineup of maritime unmanned systems, which are gaining attention as potential game changers in future naval warfare.
On August 3, Hanwha Systems announced the successful demonstration of an 'AI-based unmanned and manned hybrid combat system for mine warfare' at the Busan Naval Operations Command base.
This demonstration aimed to showcase the AI-based unmanned operational capabilities developed through civil-military collaboration and to explore the future direction of naval operations.
Hanwha Systems presented its 30-ton combat unmanned surface vessel, which was launched in June, along with the reconnaissance unmanned surface vessel 'Haeryong' and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology for underwater exploration, centered around the AI-based Automatic Mine Detection System (AMDS).
Additionally, the company demonstrated command and control technology capable of simultaneously managing multiple types of unmanned systems through a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication-based hyper-connected network.
Recent conflicts have seen an increase in asymmetric threats such as mines and drones, making unmanned systems essential for minimizing personnel casualties. The rapid advancement of AI and low Earth orbit satellite communication technology is emerging as a key capability for integrating and commanding various unmanned systems in future battlefields.
During the demonstration, Hanwha Systems simulated a scenario involving an unidentified maritime explosion threat.
Upon receiving mine threat information, a command was issued in natural language to the large language model (LLM)-based 'AI mission planning generation' platform to create a mission plan for locating mines at the explosion site. The reconnaissance unmanned surface vessel 'Haeryong' and a manned mine countermeasure vessel then set sail, while military drones (UAVs) began aerial reconnaissance, executing a civil-military cooperative operation.
The AUV equipped on Haeryong autonomously navigated according to the AI-generated mission plan to conduct mine detection, with the collected data transmitted in real-time to the AMDS. Once the AMDS identified the mine clearance point through AI-based analysis, the unmanned surface vessel and mine countermeasure vessel moved to that location and successfully completed the mine clearance operation.
Hanwha Systems also showcased hyper-connected network technology utilizing Eutelsat OneWeb's low Earth orbit satellite communication, demonstrating multi-layered communication operations. From a land control center, they simultaneously operated and controlled the AUV and two types of unmanned surface vessels using low Earth orbit satellite communication. This is expected to enable uninterrupted mission execution and expanded operational range when applied to combat unmanned surface vessels in the future.
Yoo Mun-ki, head of Hanwha Systems' maritime business division, stated, 'In this demonstration at the Naval Operations Command, we proved the 'Physical AI' technology that optimizes the operation of AI-based mission planning generation platforms and actual unmanned and manned naval forces, as well as our integrated command and control capabilities encompassing AI unmanned systems, manned systems, and low Earth orbit satellite communication.' He added, 'Hanwha Systems will focus on investment and development of maritime unmanned systems that will be strategic assets for the future navy and game changers in future naval warfare.'
Meanwhile, Hanwha Systems possesses a complete product lineup of underwater maritime unmanned systems, including reconnaissance unmanned surface vessels, combat unmanned surface vessels, AUVs for underwater exploration, unmanned submarines for anti-submarine reconnaissance, and next-generation mine disposal systems.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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