Hanwha, Magnet Defense Set October Build Start for a Drone Ship the Navy Has Not Ordered
Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense start building the 38-meter H38 unmanned vessel in October and test it in January. The Navy's first MUSV trial round is running without them.
The Miami startup supplies the hull design and autonomy, Hanwha the missiles and the manufacturing; the Navy's first MUSV trial round is already at sea without them.
Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense will begin building the H38, a 38-meter medium unmanned surface vessel, in October, HDUSA CEO Michael Coulter told reporters on Sept. 15, Breaking Defense reported. Hanwha will test its payloads on other platforms this fall. Testing on the H38 follows in January. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on April 20 at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition. They have disclosed no value, quantity or build yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the H38?
A 38-meter medium unmanned surface vessel that Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense agreed to build under an April 20 memorandum of understanding. It is based on Magnet Defense's 48-meter M48.
When does construction start?
In October 2026, HDUSA CEO Michael Coulter told reporters on Sept. 15, per Breaking Defense. Payloads are tested on other platforms this fall and on the H38 in January 2027.
Has the Navy ordered the H38?
No. Stars and Stripes reported in April that the Navy had awarded no contract, and no Navy funding for the vessel has been disclosed since.
What does each company contribute?
Magnet Defense contributes the M48-derived hull design and its autonomy software. Hanwha contributes missiles, modular payloads, manufacturing capacity and robotics, according to the companies.
Is Hanwha in the Navy's MUSV marketplace?
Not in the first round. Seven other firms entered at-sea trials in June. HDUSA's Kevin Schoonover said Hanwha wants to compete in a later round if one opens.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.