How HD Hyundai’s TACAN Technology Revolutionizes Saudi Naval Shipbuilding: A Deep Dive

Heo Joo-hee, Director of Global Business at Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), is pictured after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Saudi Naval Vessel Construction Cooperation. The signing ceremony took place at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 9. Also present were Kwon-sik Woo, Head of Sales at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (second from left), and Hassan Al-Duhaim, Director General of Special Projects at the Saudi Ministry of Investment (third from left). Photo courtesy of Korea Airports Corporation

Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) announced on February 10 that it has entered into a strategic partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the Saudi Ministry of Investment. The trilateral MOU, signed at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aims to bolster cooperation in the construction of Saudi naval vessels.
This collaboration seeks to establish a uniquely Korean marine defense cooperation model, leveraging South Korea’s advanced shipbuilding technology and navigational safety expertise to support Saudi Arabia’s ongoing naval modernization efforts.
Under the agreement, HD Hyundai will construct naval vessels equipped with KAC’s proprietary Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system. The Saudi Ministry of Investment will facilitate local project implementation and investment cooperation through liaison with relevant agencies.
Should HD Hyundai secure the Saudi naval vessel contract, it would mark KAC’s first international sale of its naval TACAN system. The deal, involving the supply of five units, is projected to generate export revenues of approximately 8 billion KRW (roughly $6 million USD).
This partnership allows KAC to establish a strategic foothold for its TACAN technology in the Middle Eastern market. Furthermore, it paves the way for broader international expansion of Korean defense and navigational safety technologies through collaborations with global shipbuilders.
Heo Joo-hee emphasized, “This agreement transcends mere technological cooperation. It represents a significant milestone in establishing our presence in the Saudi and broader Middle Eastern defense markets, with our navigational safety technology at the forefront.”
The naval TACAN system is a critical navigation aid that provides essential bearing and distance information for military aircraft returning to vessels during maritime operations. KAC demonstrated its technological prowess by successfully developing a domestically produced version after three years of intensive R&D starting in 2021. This achievement was validated when KAC secured a naval project contract from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
By Dong-ho Kim, Military Affairs Correspondent (hoya0222@fnnews.com)