Maryland: Hanwha Group has announced a strategic partnership with Magnet Defense, a U.S.-based company, to jointly develop medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) for the U.S. military. The partnership was revealed following the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the 2026 Sea-Air-Space Exposition.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hanwha Defense USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Hanwha Group, and Magnet Defense will collaborate on the production of MUSVs. These vessels are engineered to perform missions autonomously, including surveillance, logistics, and combat support, without the need for onboard crews.
The agreement specifies the production of a 38-meter MUSV that may be supplied to the Pentagon. This vessel is anticipated to be developed using Magnet Defense's M48 platform, enhanced by Hanwha's shipbuilding and defense technologies.
The initiative aligns with Hanwha's strategy to deepen its involvement in the U.S. defense sector through partnerships and innovation in manufacturing. Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, emphasized the potential of combining Hanwha's production capabilities and advanced robotics with Magnet Defense's expertise in autonomy and technology.
Marc Bell, CEO of Magnet Defense, highlighted the synergy between Hanwha's missile systems and Magnet Defense's MUSV designs, suggesting the partnership could lead to notable advancements in naval technology.