HD Hyundai unveils HCX-23 Plus drone mothership at MADEX 2025

At the MADEX 2025 naval defense exhibition in Busan, South Korea, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) introduced the HCX-23 Plus, a cutting-edge drone mothership concept poised to redefine naval warfare. This innovative vessel is designed to operate as a command center for unmanned systems, integrating advanced artificial intelligence to facilitate coordinated missions between crewed and uncrewed assets.

The HCX-23 Plus features a flush flight deck devoid of traditional superstructures, optimizing it for stealth and the deployment of various unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its design includes modular payload bays and potential vertical launch systems, enhancing its adaptability for multiple mission profiles. The ship’s architecture supports operations such as surveillance, electronic warfare, and rapid-response strikes, all managed through AI-driven logistics and mission planning systems.

MADEX 2025, held from May 28 to 31 at the BEXCO convention center, showcased over 150 companies from 12 countries, with more than 30 naval delegations in attendance. HD HHI’s exhibition spanned three sections: domestic warships, export warships, and future naval concepts. In addition to the HCX-23 Plus, the company presented a 6,500-ton export-oriented frigate and models of vessels currently serving in the navies of the Philippines and Peru.

During the event, HD HHI signed memoranda of understanding with global defense firms Leonardo and Thales to collaborate on the development of export ships. Agreements were also made with Korea Aerospace Industries, LIG Nex1, and POSCO to develop a multipurpose unmanned mothership and explore new materials for next-generation hulls. Notably, an MOU was signed with the Portuguese Navy to jointly develop a small submarine, marking a significant step in HD HHI’s global expansion strategy.

With the unveiling of the HCX-23 Plus, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries positions itself at the forefront of naval innovation, emphasizing the integration of unmanned systems and AI to meet the evolving demands of modern maritime operations.