Hanwha and Magnet Defense formalize MUSV strategic partnership
Partnership advances next-generation 38-meter MUSVs with AI-driven autonomy and global reach
On Monday, April 10, 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, has already been 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 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.”
“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.”
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.
Hanwha Defense USA
A subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Defense USA delivers proven platforms with a demonstrated process maturity successfully projected across numerous markets and supply chains across the globe, with a track record of developing local workforces required to produce and sustain across product lifecycles to meet the needs of warfighters and industrial base partners. HDUSA continues to expand its U.S. footprint through organic growth, strategic industrial partnerships, and selective business acquisition.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhadefenseusa.com/
Magnet Defense
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.
For more information, visit: www.magnetdefense.com
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