South Korea Unveils Futuristic HCX-23 Plus Drone Carrier Concept to Transform Naval Warfare

South Korea has revealed a bold and futuristic vision for the future of naval warfare with the debut of its HCX-23 Plus drone carrier concept at MADEX 2025 in Busan. Designed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), the HCX-23 Plus is not just a new type of ship — it's a radical rethinking of how naval operations could function in the age of drones and artificial intelligence.

Unlike traditional aircraft carriers, which rely heavily on manned aircraft and large command structures, the HCX-23 Plus is designed to operate primarily with unmanned systems and AI. This ship has no island or bridge superstructure. Instead, its command systems are housed internally and powered by AI, reducing the crew needed and enhancing stealth. The entire top of the ship is a flat deck, separated into two areas: one for launching and landing fixed-wing drones at the rear, and another recessed section at the front likely used for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones.

The model of the ship shown at MADEX 2025 revealed its futuristic appearance. The ship’s design uses sharp, angular surfaces and a mix of grey and black paint above the waterline to minimize radar detection. Below the waterline, the hull is painted red, indicating a high-speed and hydrodynamic design. Observers noted unusual shapes along the sides of the hull, which may suggest hidden missile launchers or modular spaces for different mission payloads.

The HCX-23 Plus is part of a bigger vision by HD HHI to lead in autonomous naval technologies. It is designed to work in combination with unmanned surface ships and mobile command vessels, all of which would be connected through advanced digital networks. The ship’s AI is expected to manage logistics, mission planning, and battlefield decisions with minimal human intervention — an approach that reflects a shift toward automation and faster response times in naval combat.

The ship’s flat deck and lack of superstructures make it easier to manage drones, while also reducing its visibility to enemy radar. It’s built to handle surveillance, electronic warfare, defensive air operations, and rapid-strike missions. As South Korea considers whether to proceed with its expensive CVX aircraft carrier project, the HCX-23 Plus offers a potentially more flexible and cost-effective alternative.

The HCX-23 Plus is more than a military project; it’s a statement about where naval warfare is heading. With its AI-focused design, stealthy profile, and dedication to unmanned operations, this drone carrier signals South Korea’s ambition to be a major force in future naval strategy. As it takes center stage at MADEX 2025, the HCX-23 Plus highlights how the lines between machines and warfighters are increasingly being redefined — and South Korea is determined to lead the way.