HD Hyundai, Huntington Ingalls Collaborate on US Navy Next-Generation Auxiliary Ships Construction

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the largest U.S. defense shipbuilder, have signed a memorandum of agreement during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to collaborate on the design and construction of the U.S. Navy's next-generation auxiliary and logistics support ships. This partnership marks the first-ever joint naval shipbuilding cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. and aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate shipyard throughput through shared expertise in engineering, AI, robotics, and automation. The two companies plan to jointly invest in establishing or acquiring new shipbuilding facilities in the U.S., supply Korean-made block modules and key materials to Huntington Ingalls’ shipyards, and explore a joint engineering venture. The next-generation logistics support ships will improve the Navy’s supply and replenishment capabilities with greater mobility and operational efficiency. This agreement builds upon previous collaborations and aligns with both countries’ strategic goals to strengthen their shipbuilding industrial bases and modernize naval fleets. Both firms also intend to cooperate on maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for U.S. and allied naval vessels.