K-Defense powerhouse HJ Shipbuilding and Construction (HJSC) has announced a strategic partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Korea’s leading aerospace and defense firm, to domestically develop high-speed landing craft equipment.
On May 7, HJSC disclosed that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KAI to jointly develop the localization of the LSF-II (Landing Ship Fast) Batch-II simulator and the integrated mission control system, known as iCAMS. The collaboration aims to leverage each company's technological strengths to promote the domestication of critical military equipment, contributing to national defense capabilities.
The high-speed landing craft (LSF), or Landing Ship Fast, is a versatile amphibious vessel that uses compressed air to operate as an Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), capable of traversing both sea and land. Designed to carry armed personnel, tanks, and armored vehicles at speeds exceeding 40 knots (approximately 74 km/h), it enables rapid deployment for naval and Marine Corps operations against targets across the horizon.
What sets the LSF apart is its ability to operate in challenging terrains such as mudflats, rivers, or sandy beaches—areas inaccessible to conventional landing craft—enabling swift access to targeted shores regardless of water depth. Recognized as a cutting-edge vessel, it has been credited with transforming modern amphibious assault tactics. The U.S. Navy estimates that air-cushion landing craft can land on 80% of the world’s coastlines, highlighting its strategic importance.
Following the success of the domestically built LSF-I, Korea’s first indigenous high-speed landing craft, HJSC has become Korea’s only builder with advanced technology for the subsequent LSF-II model. The company has secured orders for all eight vessels commissioned by the Korean Navy, underscoring its industry-leading expertise.
Through the MoU, the two firms plan to advance the development of the LSF-II Batch-II simulator and the domestic production of the iCAMS system, while jointly exploring marketing strategies and collaborative R&D efforts. They also intend to expand their cooperative scope to encompass broader naval vessel projects in the future.
Yoo Sang-chul, CEO of HJSC, expressed his enthusiasm: “Partnering with KAI, Korea’s premier aerospace and defense system integrator, to advance the domestication of high-speed landing craft is a significant milestone. As Korea’s sole shipbuilder capable of constructing these vessels indigenously, we are committed to contributing to the enhancement of our national maritime defense capabilities.”
