Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) and Miami-based autonomous maritime company Magnet Defense announced a strategic partnership to produce medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) for the U.S. Department of War. The partnership includes several potential projects, such as producing advanced, cost-effective, and highly capable 38-meter MUSVs. Magnet Defense’s flagship MUSV, the M48, which has a range of 17,000 nautical miles, the longest range of any MUSV at sea today, is already sea-tested after sailing round-trip from Miami to American Samoa in 2024 and multiple open water missions earlier this year. Its 32,000-nautical-mile voyage included passage through the Panama Canal and through Sea State 9 conditions to prove its stability and reliability in hazardous conditions.
“Hanwha’s advanced missile systems, coupled with Magnet Defense’s designed and built MUSVs, make for a powerful combination,” said Magnet Defense CEO Marc Bell. “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.”
“Hanwha remains committed to fielding the most capable and lethal MUSVs to support American warfighters and other allies in times of conflict,” said HDUSA CEO Michael Coulter. “By partnering with Magnet Defense, Hanwha can utilize its manufacturing capacity and advanced robotics and pair these capabilities with Magnet Defense’s proven autonomy and technology.”
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the 2026 Sea-Air-Space Exposition, the companies will work to jointly build a 38-meter MUSV, configure vessel capabilities, develop state-of-the-art AI-driven robotic shipyards of the future, and collaborate on advanced AI software for improving autonomy.
Magnet Defense is a developer of fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions. We integrate AI-driven software solutions, advanced manufacturing systems, and mission architecture expertise to deliver the most advanced purpose-built USVs for the U.S. and allied militaries.
Hanwha Defense USA is an American affiliate of the Hanwha Group based in Arlington, Virginia. The company are investing in infrastructure modernization and organic growth in the continental U.S. to bolster domestic production, partner with other U.S. defense companies, and revitalize America’s defense industrial base. Similar to the company’s existing efforts in Australia and Europe, the company are proud to serve as the conduit for the onshoring of technology and efficient production practices from Hanwha’s world-leading shipbuilding, artillery, and munitions operations.
