HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed a partnership agreement with India’s Cochin Shipyard to co-develop naval vessels and compete for upcoming Indian Navy contracts, the Korean shipbuilder announced on Tuesday.
Cochin Shipyard, India’s largest state-owned shipyard, already works closely with HD Hyundai’s parent company, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, in areas such as design innovation, workforce training, and supply-chain collaboration.
The two companies now plan to jointly bid for India’s landing platform dock (LPD) program, which received initial clearance from the Ministry of Defense in October. HD Hyundai will provide design and technical expertise for the amphibious assault vessels, while Cochin Shipyard will lead local production efforts.
“HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is an ideal partner for India’s naval modernization program,” said Joo Won-ho, president of HD HHI’s naval and medium-sized shipbuilding division. “This collaboration marks a key step in expanding our footprint in India’s defense ship market.”
India’s naval modernization push includes advanced destroyers, landing ships, and nuclear propulsion projects, sectors where HD Hyundai sees strong potential for long-term cooperation.
The company highlighted its global experience in defense shipbuilding and partnerships with multiple navies, including those of South Korea, the United States, the Philippines, and Peru. It has also worked with Huntington Ingalls Industries, America’s largest defense shipbuilder.
HD HHI added that its upcoming integration with affiliate HD Hyundai Mipo, scheduled for December, will strengthen its global defense partnerships by combining technological depth with international project management expertise.
