HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Debuts at Sea Air Space 2026: A Game Changer for Naval Defense

[iNews24 reporter Lee Han-eol] HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said it became the first South Korean company to mount a booth at Sea Air Space 2026 (SAS 2026), the United States’ largest maritime defense expo, which opened in Washington, D.C., on the 19th local time and runs for four days.

SAS 2026 is expected to host roughly 430 defense companies from 57 countries and draw about 16,000 visitors. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and LIG D&A are sharing a 150 square meters joint exhibition space.

The booth displays models of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ independently developed advanced surface combatants and submarines, including an Aegis-equipped destroyer, frigates, next-generation combat ships, logistics support vessels and subs.

At the expo, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is presenting its shipbuilding capacity and advanced unmanned systems as a partner capable of supporting the U.S. Navy’s next-generation maritime defense posture.

The company plans to underscore that it is an ideal global partner to help address fleet rebuilding and to support integrated manned‑and‑unmanned combat systems.

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will attend DSA (Defence Services Asia) 2026, Southeast Asia’s largest defense expo, in Kuala Lumpur from the 20th for four days, and intends to take part in the Malaysian Navy’s medium‑ to long‑term fleet restructuring plans.

At DSA, the company will showcase advanced platforms aligned with Malaysia’s force‑modernization needs, including a multipurpose support ship optimized for large‑scale amphibious operations and disaster relief, coastal mission ships, offshore patrol vessels, multi‑role frigates and export‑model submarines.

Joo Won‑ho, president of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and head of its shipbuilding and medium‑vessel business, said, “As a leading company in Korean maritime defense, we will do our utmost to open a new chapter in ship exports.”