Overview
- A memorandum of understanding signed Monday at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition pairs Hanwha’s U.S. arm with Miami-based Magnet Defense to co-develop a 38-meter medium unmanned surface vessel, the H38, which is an uncrewed ship.
- The design builds on Magnet’s M48 platform and is positioned for potential Pentagon orders, though no contract has been awarded.
- The partners plan AI-driven, highly automated shipyards across the United States that executives say could open by the end of next year.
- Company leaders say the effort aligns with the U.S. Navy’s March launch of a MUSV marketplace that seeks mission-ready, quickly produced uncrewed vessels.
- Executives describe factory-like shipbuilding that relies on robots for cutting, welding, and assembly with workers trained via augmented reality to operate the machines, a shift that could speed output and change shipyard roles.