At MADEX 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) revealed its latest drone carrier concepts, showcasing its vision for future naval warfare. The company divided its exhibition into three sections—Export, Domestic, and Future—with the Future section highlighting two key designs: the HCX-23 and the newly introduced HCX-23 Plus.
The HCX-23 is a 6,000-ton concept vessel designed for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations. It measures 130 meters in length and 35 meters in width. The ship is intended to command networks of unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehicles (UAVs, USVs, UUVs). It features a stealthy low-RCS design, precision strike capabilities through a vertical launch system (VLS), and advanced weaponry including multi-function radar and laser defense systems. HD HHI has been developing this concept since 2022 as part of research into unmanned force command ships.
Building on this, HD Hyundai introduced the HCX-23 Plus, a larger 15,000-ton drone mothership concept designed as an evolutionary step toward future aircraft carriers. The HCX-23 Plus is 200 meters long and shares the same 35-meter width. It includes a dual-deck layout with a lower deck featuring a small catapult system and an upper deck for recovering fixed-wing UAVs. The design incorporates advanced technologies from HD Hyundai’s earlier CVX light aircraft carrier program, such as compact catapults, arresting wires, and a sloped runway to aid UAV landings.
Despite its size, the HCX-23 Plus is planned to operate with a small crew of about 100 personnel. It supports a range of unmanned systems, including fixed-wing UAVs, USVs, and UUVs, with well decks located on both sides and the stern for launching and recovery. For defense, the ship has three CIWS-II close-in weapon systems and canister launchers to deploy small interceptor drones. Unlike the HCX-23, it does not have a vertical launch system but relies on escort ships for area air defense.
HD Hyundai engineers explained that this concept reflects a future naval strategy where advanced small UAVs and loitering munitions will handle reconnaissance, interception, and strike missions.
In addition to the HCX-23 Plus, HD Hyundai is also working on a 32,000-ton light carrier variant. Research and development for this larger vessel is expected to continue through the end of the year.
