Hanwha Defense USA announced on Monday that it signed a strategic partnership with Magnet Defense at the 2026 Sea-Air-Space exposition held in National Harbor, Maryland. The agreement covers multiple projects, including the joint construction of a 38-meter medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) known as the H38.
Under the partnership, the H38 will be developed based on Magnet Defense’s flagship M48 model, incorporating Hanwha’s advanced technologies. The M48, the basis for the joint development, has one of the longest operational ranges among USVs in service at 17,000 nautical miles.
The vessel has undergone extensive real-world validation, completing a total of 32,000 nautical miles of operations, including a round-trip voyage from Miami to American Samoa in 2024, a transit through the Panama Canal and navigation in extreme weather conditions rated at Sea State 9.
Mark Bell, CEO of Magnet Defense, said the combination of Hanwha’s advanced missile systems and Magnet Defense’s USV design and manufacturing capabilities would generate strong synergies.
Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, said, “Hanwha is committed to deploying highly capable and lethal unmanned surface vessels to support U.S. forces and allies in times of conflict,” adding, “We will integrate Hanwha’s manufacturing capabilities and advanced robotics technologies with Magnet Defense’s proven autonomous navigation systems.”
The partnership comes as the U.S. Navy has signaled its intent to acquire unmanned surface vessels to meet evolving operational requirements.
The two sides also agreed to cooperate on AI-based robotic shipyards and artificial intelligence software development.
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