HD Hyundai Heavy Industries NAVAL & SPECIAL SHIP

U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Visits HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) of the United States Navy, visited the company’s Ulsan headquarters on November 15 to review Korea’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities and discuss expanded cooperation under the MASGA framework.

Admiral Caudle was accompanied by Kevin Kim, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, and toured HHI’s commercial shipbuilding facilities before visiting the Naval & Special Shipbuilding Division. During the visit, he held discussions with HD Hyundai Chairman Kisun Chung on ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in naval ship construction, fleet readiness, and supply-chain integration.

The delegation inspected the construction site of the next Aegis destroyer scheduled for launch in 2026, and visited the overhaul facility of the 214-class submarine ROKS Son Won-il, the lead boat of its class currently undergoing major maintenance. Admiral Caudle also boarded the recently launched Aegis destroyer ROKS Dasan Jeong Yakyong to receive a briefing on its advanced combat system and operational capabilities.

With global navies accelerating fleet modernization programs, HD Hyundai is expanding its presence in major defense markets, including the United States. The company expects Admiral Caudle’s visit to further advance discussions on technical collaboration and integrated production solutions supporting U.S. naval requirements.

Following the visit, Admiral Caudle commented:

“The U.S.–Korea partnership remains vital for regional security and the future of naval power. By sharing advanced technologies and best practices, our two nations are enhancing both the speed and the quality of naval shipbuilding.”

HD Hyundai Chairman Kisun Chung stated:

“HD Hyundai is committed to supporting the enhancement of U.S. naval capabilities and contributing to the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding sector through advanced technologies and close industrial cooperation.”

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will continue to strengthen its global partnerships and contribute to a more resilient and secure maritime environment.