The U.S. arm of Korean giant Hanwha is teaming up with Miami-based autonomy specialist Magnet Defense to build medium-sized uncrewed surface vessels (MUSVs) for the U.S. Navy.
As per a joint press statement the recent alliance will see the firms collaborate on a number of hull variants, including a next-generation 38-metre MUSV.
Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) CEO Michael Coulter said of the new partnership: “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.”
Magnet CEO Marc Bell added: “Hanwha’s advanced missile systems, coupled with Magnet Defense’s designed-and-built MUSVs, make for a powerful combination.”
Magnet says its flagship M48 platform has the longest range of any current MUSV, a claimed 17,000 nautical miles.
It stated the autonomous vessel has been sea-tested on a 32,000-nm round-trip from Miami to American Samoa, including enduring Sea State 9 conditions and navigating the Panama Canal.
- You can read more details on the Magnet Defense website and the Hanwha Ocean website