A growing strategic naval partnership between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and India’s Cochin Shipyard is reshaping regional defense cooperation. The new agreement positions both shipyards to secure key Indian naval contracts and deepen long-term collaboration.
The companies signed the deal in India, creating a formal structure for future joint projects. Moreover, their cooperation builds on earlier training, design upgrades and supply-chain initiatives involving HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering.
Both sides now intend to bid together for India’s landing platform dock program. The project received initial government approval, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will supply design work and core technology support. This effort reinforces the strategic naval partnership guiding their shared ambitions.
Joo Won-ho, president of HD HHI’s naval unit, said the partnership aligns with India’s modernization efforts. Furthermore, he emphasized that India’s expanding maritime needs create fresh opportunities for Korean shipbuilders seeking wider markets.
India continues upgrading destroyers, landing ships and advanced propulsion systems, creating steady demand for international cooperation. Consequently, HD HHI highlighted its global shipbuilding experience and its ability to support technology transfer with Indian partners.
The company has supplied vessels to the Korean Navy for decades and continues expanding its global presence. Additionally, HD HHI previously worked with Huntington Ingalls Industries and supported projects in the Philippines and Peru. These experiences now strengthen the strategic naval partnership forming with India.
HD HHI expects its upcoming integration with HD Hyundai Mipo to further enhance overseas defense projects. The merger will streamline engineering operations and support large-scale joint shipbuilding initiatives across multiple regions.
Industry analysts say the agreement arrives at a timely moment for India’s maritime strategy. They believe more joint programs will emerge as India strengthens self-reliance and increases naval capacity.
Both shipyards anticipate deeper industrial cooperation, faster technology sharing and expanded opportunities across major procurement plans. As India advances its naval ambitions, the strategic naval partnership will likely shape the next phase of regional defense development.
