The combination of Magnet Defense and Metal Shark is reported to offer U.S. and allied militaries a “leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs).” (Photo courtesy Magnet Defense LLC)
The acquisition is intended to accelerate to accelerate autonomous maritime capabilities and U.S. shipbuilding capacity
MIAMI—Magnet Defense LLC, a developer of fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions, reported that it officially completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a designer and shipbuilder of highly-capable maritime platforms for defense and law enforcement missions.
The combination of Magnet Defense and Metal Shark is reported to offer U.S. and allied militaries a “leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs).” Metal Shark’s shipyards are described as “the hubs from which Magnet Defense will deliver critical capabilities for the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative,” according to a release from Magnet Defense.
“The acquisition represents a critical step in Magnet Defense’s strategy to pair advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production,” the release stated. “By integrating Metal Shark’s established shipbuilding operations, workforce, and facilities, Magnet Defense moves from prototype development to sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms at speed and scale.”
Global maritime security demands are increasing rapidly, yet U.S. shipbuilding capacity has lagged behind its peer competitors. Magnet Defense stated that it addresses this gap by combining artificial intelligence, modular vessel design, and modern manufacturing approaches to rebuild domestic maritime capability and deliver next-generation platforms faster and more efficiently.
“We integrate AI-driven software solutions, advanced manufacturing systems, and mission architecture expertise to deliver the most advanced purpose-built USVs for the U.S. and allied militaries,” the company said in the release.
Metal Shark brings more than 20 years of experience in designing and constructing mission-specific vessels. The company is reported to have delivered more than 2,000 vessels to customers worldwide, including over 500 vessels for the U.S. Navy, and 600 vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard. “Hundreds more” have been delivered for allied nation military forces around the globe, according to the release.
The company’s two Louisiana manufacturing facilities are reported to encompass more than 125,000 square feet of manufacturing space across 40 acres, and are supported by a seasoned workforce and a strong engineering organization.
“These assets provide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity,” the release stated.