Chairman Chung Kisun met Adm. Caudle to present HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding technologies and competitiveness. Both sides exchanged views on future collaboration through the Korea–U.S. shipbuilding cooperation project known as MASGA.
Their talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to support the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy fleet through strategic shipbuilding partnerships. After the meeting, Chairman Chung led Adm. Caudle through the company’s commercial shipbuilding facilities.
The visit continued at the Naval Ship Division, where HD Hyundai builds its Aegis destroyers. Adm. Caudle boarded the newly launched ROKS Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and received a briefing on its combat systems and operational capabilities.
He also examined progress on the third Aegis destroyer, scheduled for launch next year. The delegation inspected additional production lines for other naval vessels under construction.
HD Hyundai is integrating its naval, commercial, and mid-sized ship operations through a merger with HD Hyundai Mipo. The company says this restructuring aims to create greater synergy and support expanded export and defence cooperation projects, including in the United States.
Global demand for next generation destroyers and frigates continues to rise as navies modernise their fleets. With experience delivering Aegis destroyers and supplying vessels to the Philippine Navy and the Peruvian Navy, HD Hyundai is increasing its presence in major defence markets, including the United States.
The company expects Adm. Caudle’s visit to advance discussions on technical cooperation and supply chain integration for warship construction. Chairman Chung said, “HD Hyundai will support the growth of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and to strengthen the U.S. Navy’s capabilities. As blood allies and close friends, we will work together to ensure the success of the MASGA, the shipbuilding cooperation project between Korea and the U.S.”
HD Hyundai has widened its engagement with the U.S. Navy in recent months. In April, U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan visited the company and toured the ROKS Jeongjo the Great, while in March Chairman Chung visited the United States Naval Academy to meet faculty and cadets and exchange views on research and future maritime developments.
