South Korea pushes forward on unmanned surface vessel development for future fleet
Hanwha’s 130t Combat USV is scheduled for development in the 2026–30 period, and it has an expected length of 35.46m. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
South Korean industry continues to evolve unmanned surface vessels as the ROK Navy targets future force needs and addresses manpower challenges.
South Korea’s unmanned surface vessel (USV) sector is evolving rapidly, with multiple new designs under development as the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) looks to counter North Korean threats and address manpower shortages caused by declining birth rates.
A key driver of this effort is the Sea GHOST initiative (Guardian Harmonised with Operating manned Systems and Technology-based unmanned systems), launched by the ROKN in November 2022. This roadmap envisions a family of USVs, ranging from small reconnaissance craft to large, heavily armed combat USVs capable of launching loitering munition swarms, with the potential to replace fast attack craft in future
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
-
SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations
US Naval Special Warfare Command is assessing the feasibility of rapidly producing expendable mid-sized USVs in theatre to support SOF and maritime security missions.
-
Germany’s F126 delays open the door for Rheinmetall’s naval ambitions
Germany’s F126 frigate crisis has handed Rheinmetall an opening it had been working towards for years, and the company intends to make the most of it.
-
SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system
MARSOC is procuring the Shark Marine Dive Tablet 2 to address a longstanding combat diver navigation capability gap, improving underwater positioning, situational awareness and integration with existing diver propulsion vehicles.
