New South Korean Stealth USV Sea Sword X Offers Asymmetric Power with Swarm and Modular Capabilities.

According to official information published by LIG Nex1 on May 28, 2025, on its corporate website, the South Korean defense company unveiled its latest concept of an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), the Sea Sword X, also referred to as Haegum X in Korean, at the MADEX 2025 exhibition held in Busan. This next-generation USV reflects LIG Nex1’s approach to future naval operations through a modular, low-observable, and heavily armed platform developed under the national Navy Sea GHOST program.
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Sea Sword X can be operated remotely or autonomously, including in swarm formations, using satellite communication links, relay drones, and secured networks (Picture source: LIG Nex1)

Displayed within a 280 square meter exhibit in partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the Sea Sword X is presented as a central component of an integrated unmanned fleet. Featuring a stealth-oriented hull to reduce radar signature, the platform is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) multifunction radar for multidirectional detection. It supports various weapon configurations, including a 20 mm remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), 2.75-inch Bigung guided rockets, Blue Shark lightweight torpedoes, and attack drones, demonstrating its compatibility with multiple weapon systems and sensors.

Sea Sword X can be operated remotely or autonomously, including in swarm formations, using satellite communication links, relay drones, and secured networks. Its standardized architecture allows rapid mission reconfiguration through interchangeable payload modules, making it adaptable to anti-surface, anti-submarine, and counter-drone operations in evolving naval environments.

Alongside the Sea Sword X, LIG Nex1 also presented two other unmanned platforms: a reconnaissance USV scheduled for deployment with the Republic of Korea Navy, and a 3D printed suicide USV designed for long-range self-destruct attacks. The latter features low Earth orbit satellite navigation and is optimized for mass production, enabling saturation attacks in contested maritime zones, following operational concepts observed in recent Ukrainian naval engagements.

In addition to unmanned platforms, the company showcased key K-maritime defense systems such as an integrated mast combining AESA radar and electronic warfare capabilities, a unified combat management system linking sensors and weapons, and a range of weapon systems. These include the already deployed Haegung surface-to-air missile, a domestically developed mid-range naval missile equivalent to the SM-2, the CIWS II close-in weapon system featuring a 30 mm gun and full 360 degree AESA coverage for cruise missiles and drone swarm defense, and an anti-drone jamming system designed to disrupt navigation and prevent unauthorized UAVs from approaching naval vessels.

Through its presentation at MADEX 2025, LIG Nex1 positions itself as a key contributor to the implementation of the Navy Sea GHOST concept, supporting the Republic of Korea Navy’s focus on unmanned integrated systems. The company also aims to expand its presence in the global defense market by offering its maritime solutions as reference models in unmanned naval warfare, electronic warfare, and integrated mission systems.