Korea's Extra-large Unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV) programme, developing an autonomous submarine platform for high-risk missions including mine warfare, intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, and potentially offensive strike operations without risking human crew. Details remain classified, but the programme aims to develop a large autonomous underwater vehicle capable of extended independent operations in contested waters, with modular payload sections for mission-specific equipment. Expected to feature advanced AI for autonomous navigation and decision-making, multiple sensor arrays, and integration with the Korean Navy's network-centric warfare architecture. The programme reflects a broader global trend toward unmanned underwater combat vehicles, with South Korea aiming to be among the first nations to deploy operational extra-large UUVs.
![LIG Nex1 logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="18" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">LIG NEX1</text></svg>)
- No crew risk in dangerous waters
- Persistent ISR in contested zones
- Mine laying capacity
- Torpedo/missile payload option
- Reduces Korean submarine crew requirements
- Still in development
- Autonomous underwater navigation in complex littoral areas is difficult
- Countermeasure vulnerability
- No proven technology at scale
- Cost vs manned submarines uncertain
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