07 January 2026 – DSTA PARTNERS WITH KOREAN REGISTER TO ADVANCE
VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION FOR AUTONOMOUS MARITIME SYSTEMS
Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the
Republic of Korea’s Korean Register (KR) have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) to co-develop a framework to strengthen verification
and validation (V&V) for perception and autonomy technologies used in
Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs).
The agreement brings together DSTA’s expertise in systems engineering
with KR’s global leadership in maritime policy, certification and
safety standards. Both organisations will jointly develop a V&V
framework to assess AI-based perception algorithms and other core
technologies that enable safe and reliable USV operations.
DSTA partnered with KR in recognition of its integrated approach
encompassing policy, technology, and evaluation, as well as its
extensive technical expertise. Through the project, the two
organisations will play complementary roles in promoting the
international standardisation of safety verification frameworks for
autonomous maritime systems.
Mr Ong Li Koon, DSTA’s Director Naval Systems said, “As the maritime
sector moves towards broader adoption of autonomous technologies across
defence and commercial domains, our partnership with Korean Register to
co-develop a unified validation and verification framework will help
raise the bar for the safety of autonomous navigation globally.”
Mr Kim Daeheon, KR’s Executive Vice President, said, “This
collaboration will support the development of robust test methodologies
and safety guidelines for AI-based USV systems. Our goal is to enhance
the safety and reliability of maritime technology, thereby building
public and regulatory confidence in the deployment of autonomous
vessels.”
KR plans to leverage this project to further strengthen its role in the
maritime AI certification domain and expand global partnerships. The
outcomes of the joint research are expected to help shape international
standards and regulatory discussions, contributing to the establishment
of a trusted global framework for autonomous ship technologies.
About Defence Science and Technology Agency
The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) is a leading technology
organisation that drives innovation and delivers state-of-the-art
capabilities to make the Singapore Armed Forces a formidable fighting
force. Harnessing and exploiting science and technology, our engineers
and IT professionals leverage multidisciplinary expertise to equip our
soldiers with advanced systems to defend Singapore. DSTA also
contributes its technological expertise to support national-level
developments. To achieve our mission, DSTA excels in systems
engineering, digitalised platforms, cyber, software development and
more. Visit www.dsta.gov.sg for more information.
About Korean Register
KR (Korean Register) was established in 1960 with the purpose of
promoting safety of life, property and the protection of the marine
environment. KR currently classes an international fleet of 3,203
vessels totalling 90 million GT. It is headquartered in Busan, South
Korea with a network of 80 offices around the world. KR is authorized to
perform statutory and certification services in 80 countries around the
world. Visit www.krs.co.kr for more information.
