Hanwha Systems (272210.KS) has brought the future of manned-unmanned combined combat systems to reality, showcasing its full lineup of maritime unmanned systems, which are drawing attention as a potential "game changer in maritime warfare."
Hanwha Systems said on the 3rd that it recently held a demonstration of "artificial intelligence (AI)-based manned-unmanned combined combat system mine countermeasures" at the Republic of Korea Fleet Command base in Busan. The demonstration served to review AI-based manned-unmanned combined operational capabilities secured through civil-military cooperation and to explore development directions for future naval operations.
The demonstration was conducted under the scenario that an unidentified maritime explosion had occurred. Upon receiving mine threat information, a mine detection order was issued in natural language to a large language model (LLM)-based "AI mission plan generation" platform: "Generate a mission plan to find mines at the maritime explosion point."
Subsequently, the reconnaissance unmanned surface vessel "Haeryeong" and a manned minesweeper set sail in sequence, and a military drone (UAV) began aerial reconnaissance. The underwater search autonomous unmanned submarine (AUV) mounted on the Haeryeong maneuvered autonomously along the route created by the AI to search for mines. Search data was transmitted in real time to an automatic mine detection system, and once the minesweeping target point was identified through AI analysis, the unmanned surface vessel and minesweeper moved to carry out the removal operation.
At the demonstration, Hanwha Systems also showcased hyper-connected network technology, including multi-layered communication operations utilizing Eutelsat OneWeb's low-earth-orbit satellite communications. The company expects that, when applied to combat unmanned surface vessels in the future, this will enable seamless mission execution and expanded operational range.
Yoo Moon-ki, head of Hanwha Systems' Maritime Business Division, said, "In this Fleet Command demonstration, we proved our 'physical AI' technology to optimize operations between the AI-based mission plan generation platform and actual manned-unmanned maritime forces, as well as our 'integrated command and control' capabilities encompassing AI unmanned systems, manned systems, and low-earth-orbit satellite communications." He added, "Hanwha Systems will focus on investment and development in maritime unmanned systems, which will become a strategic asset for the future navy and a game changer in future naval warfare."
