South Korea is advancing efforts to bring manned–unmanned teaming into naval operations by developing key technologies for combat unmanned surface vessels (USVs) designed to operate alongside crewed warships.
Central to the program is an integrated control system responsible for navigation and high-level command functions, enabling coordinated operations with manned naval forces.
Supporting this capability is a weapons operation and launch control system that automates tasks traditionally performed by onboard crews.
An autonomous mission system links these components, providing mission planning, coordination, and execution across the full operational cycle and enabling crew-optional operations.
Once deployed, the new capabilities are expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of long-range strike missions conducted by maritime unmanned platforms.
LIG Nex1 is leading the development effort in collaboration with the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement.
The program is supported by approximately 49 billion won ($36 million) in government funding and is scheduled to run for 60 months through December 2030.
The initiative aims to mature essential technologies ahead of South Korea’s planned Combat Unmanned Surface Vessel Batch-II development phase.
