Korea's revolutionary drone-centric vessel strategy shifts competition towards naval dominance and power projection
Unmanned Revolution: South Korea's Radical Leap in Maritime Defense
South Korea's innovative HCX-23 Plus drone carrier, unveiled in May, heralds a paradigm shift in naval warfare and grey-zone operations. Flanking the 2025 International Maritime Defence Industry Exhibition in Busan, this next-generation unmanned platform promises to revitalize maritime strategy with its trailblazing autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and revolutionary design.
The HCX-23 Plus, a multi-deck ship foregoing the traditional command island, revisits and refines discarded concepts from post-World War II Japan and Britain.
"Strategically, this could position South Korea as a pioneer in deploying a compact, drone-optimized maritime asset perfect for modern grey-zone and near-sea operations," asserts retired naval commander and Korea Institute for Defence Analyses research fellow, Jihoon Yu.
Considered high-risk yet potentially groundbreaking, the HCX-23 Plus aims to establish a new frontier in unmanned maritime power projection.
Transforming Naval Warfare with AI and Autonomy
The HCX-23 Plus's key feature revolves around autonomous operations and AI integration, enabling it to manage surveillance, electronic warfare, and rapid-strike missions with minimal human input. The ability to handle multiple roles—from traditional military engagements to grey-zone operations—makes it a versatile asset in contested environments.
Deploying and retrieving fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from its unique two-zone deck enhances operational flexibility and tempo, empowering the ship for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and swift responses to emerging threats.
Adapting to Grey-Zone Operations
With grey-zone operations characterized by ambiguity and the use of non-kinetic means, the HCX-23 Plus's AI-powered, stealthy design allows for a persistent yet low-profile presence. This enables the ship to monitor maritime activity, conduct electronic warfare, and gather intelligence without triggering escalation.
Its operational flexibility supports continuous drone sorties, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance and rapid response to emerging threats. This adaptability is crucial for deterrence, intelligence gathering, and maintaining situational awareness in disputed areas.
Redefining Naval Strategy
The HCX-23 Plus could establish a new standard for future naval platforms, emphasizing unmanned systems, AI, and modular operations. By moving away from large, crewed vessels, countries can project power, conduct surveillance, and assert influence while minimizing risks. This shift might prompt regional rivals to accelerate their own drone carrier and autonomous warfare programs, potentially reshaping the naval balance of power in Asia.
In essence, the HCX-23 Plus represents a trailblazing leap forward in autonomous naval capabilities—delivering an unprecedented level of mission flexibility, stealth, and persistence, even in contested and ambiguous environments.
Technology plays a pivotal role in the HCX-23 Plus, as autonomous operations and AI integration enable it to manage surveillance, electronic warfare, and rapid-strike missions with minimal human input.
The HCX-23 Plus's technology-driven features, such as its ability to handle multiple roles and deploy and retrieve fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), make it a versatile asset in contested environments, transforming naval warfare and strategy.
