Under the recently signed MoU, the two companies will collaborate to develop a USV for maritime surveillance by 2026 and will later expand their partnership to produce USVs for use in warfare at sea.

According to Yonhap news agency report, HD Hyundai said the USVs are considered a game-changer in future naval warfare, as they will perform a variety of tasks including surveillance, mine detection and removal and countermeasures in dangerous areas. Replaces traditional manned ships to perform missions.

For the project, HD Hyundai said it plans to integrate autonomous navigation software from its subsidiary Avicus with Palantir's AI-based Mission Autonom technology.

Palantir Technologies has served major customers such as the US Department of Defense, Navy and Army. It has participated in projects such as modernization of integrated combat systems for the US Navy in collaboration with Lockheed Martin.

Joo Won-ho, head of the naval special ships business unit at HD Hyundai Heavy, said: "The USV market is a blue ocean market where advanced technology plays a decisive role."

He said HD Hyundai and Palantir will be leaders in this field based on the achievements and trust earned by both companies.