Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense will jointly build a 124-foot unmanned vessel for the Pentagon, according to a recent Hanwha news release. (Magnet Defense LLC)
South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group has partnered with a Miami-based autonomous maritime company to develop a next-generation medium unmanned surface vessel for the U.S. military, Hanwha’s U.S. subsidiary said Monday.
Under the agreement, Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense will jointly build a 124-foot unmanned vessel for the Pentagon, develop AI-driven robotic shipyards and collaborate on advanced AI autonomy software, according to a Hanwha news release.
The companies did not respond to an email requesting additional details on Thursday.
The Navy has not awarded a contract but last month solicited firms with expertise in autonomous vessel construction and general maritime experience to participate in its MUSV Family of Systems program, according to an announcement on sam.gov.
The companies announced their partnership shortly after the Navy solicited proposals last month from firms with expertise in vessel construction, autonomy and general maritime experience to participate in its MUSV Family of Systems program.
The Navy is “investing heavily in unmanned platforms to provide a strategic hedge and multiply our force,” according to its fiscal year 2027 budget request announced Tuesday.
The Golden Fleet Initiative aims to modernize the Navy’s surface fleet and includes plans to build advanced warships.
Magnet Defense specializes in fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions, according to the press release. Its flagship M48 MUSV has a range of 17,000 nautical miles, the longest of any vessel of its type at sea today, according to Hanwha.
Hanwha Defense and Hanwha Philly Shipyard secured their first Navy project last month as a subcontractor to Vard Marine on the Next Generation Logistics Ship Program, also referred to as the light replenishment oiler, according to a March 30 press release from Hanwha.
Hanwha Defense has invested more than $200 million in upgrades to the Philadelphia shipyard since December 2024, according to the release.
“Hanwha remains committed to fielding the most capable and lethal MUSVs to support American warfighters and allies in times of conflict,” Hanwha Defense USA CEO Michael Coulter said in the release on Monday.
“By partnering with Magnet Defense, we can combine our manufacturing scale and advanced robotics with Magnet’s proven autonomy technologies,” he said.
Coupling Hanwha’s advanced missile systems with Magnet’s MUSVs makes for a “powerful combination,” Magnet Defense CEO Marc Bell said in the release.
“Our ability to project force globally by working together in quick response to America’s Armed Forces needs is critical in today’s ever-changing environment,” he said.
