Magnet Defense and Hanwha Defense USA Form Partnership to Build Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels

April 21, 2026
Magnet Defense LLC and Hanwha Defense USA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly produce Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels for the U.S. Department of War, including a 38-meter model and collaboration on AI-based shipyard and autonomy technologies.

Magnet Defense LLC and Hanwha Defense USA have formalized a strategic partnership to produce Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) for the U.S. Department of War, announced in a press release. The agreement, signed at the 2026 Sea Air Space Exposition, covers the joint construction of a 38-meter MUSV and cooperation on AI-based shipbuilding and autonomy systems.

Magnet Defense's M48 vessel, which has a range of 17,000 nautical miles, has already completed sea trials including a round trip from Miami to American Samoa and multiple open-water missions. The company said the vessel demonstrated reliability in severe conditions, including Sea State 9.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the two companies will configure the MUSV’s capabilities, develop AI-based robotic shipyards, and collaborate on software to enhance vessel autonomy. The partnership combines Hanwha’s manufacturing and robotics expertise with Magnet Defense’s autonomous maritime technology.

Hanwha Defense USA CEO Michael Coulter said the collaboration will support American and allied forces by delivering advanced unmanned maritime systems. Magnet Defense Co-Founder Marc Bell described the partnership as a step toward faster global deployment of autonomous vessels for defense operations.

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