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Magnet Defense

ApplicationMiami, Florida, USAFounded 2025· One of 411 Application companies tracked by AMPulse

Develops and manufactures AI-enabled autonomous Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) for defense, integrating advanced manufacturing and robotic shipyard concepts.

CEO / Founder
Marc Bell
Team Size
51-200
Stage
Early Stage
Total Funding
$54M
Latest Round
Series A
Key Investors
Arcline Investment Management

Technology & Products

Key Products

M48 Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV); H38 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) in partnership with Hanwha; AI-enabled autonomy stack for maritime platforms

Technological Advantage

Proprietary AI-enabled autonomy stack built for contested, real-world maritime conditions (not lab environments), combined with strategic partnerships for manufacturing scale. The core advantage is the integration of autonomy, vessel design, and production methodology, though specific AM process IP is not publicly detailed.

Differentiation

Value Proposition

Delivers long-endurance (17,000-32,000 nm range), autonomous maritime platforms capable of operating in Sea State 9, reducing vessel production lead times and enabling scalable fleet deployment through AI-driven robotic shipyards.

How They Differentiate

Focuses on large, long-endurance (48-meter, 32,000 nm range) USVs with integrated AI autonomy and a strategic push into AI-driven robotic shipyard manufacturing, unlike competitors focused on smaller vessels or pure autonomy software.

Market & Competition

Target Customers

US Department of Defense, allied militaries, naval defense contractors

Industry Verticals

Defense; Maritime; National Security

Competitors

Anduril Industries; Saronic; HD Hyundai (in partnership with Anduril)

Growth & Milestones

Growth Metrics

Commenced production of first M48 USV with delivery set for 2027; acquired Metal Shark Boats and Advanced Technology Group (ATG) to expand capabilities.

Major Milestones

Founded in 2025; Acquired Metal Shark Boats (2026); Acquired Advanced Technology Group (ATG) (2026); Strategic partnership with Hanwha Defense USA for MUSV production (2026); Began production of first M48 USV (2026)

Notable Customers

US Department of Defense (via Hanwha partnership)

https://magnetdefense.com

Recent coverage of Magnet Defense

Why this company matters

Magnet Defense develops and manufactures AI-enabled autonomous Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSVs) for defense, combining vessel design with a proprietary autonomy stack and robotic shipyard production. Founded in 2025 and based in Miami, Florida, the company targets a gap in scalable unmanned naval fleet deployment by vertically integrating software, hull manufacturing, and production methodology.

The company's core offering includes the M48 Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) and the H38 MUSV, developed in partnership with Hanwha Defense USA. These platforms are designed for long-endurance missions, with ranges of 17,000 to 32,000 nautical miles and the ability to operate in Sea State 9. The AI-enabled autonomy stack is built for contested maritime environments, distinguishing it from lab-focused systems. While specific additive manufacturing processes are not publicly detailed, the company emphasizes hybrid multi-material approaches and robotic shipyards to reduce production lead times.

Target customers include the US Department of Defense, allied militaries, and naval defense contractors. Magnet Defense has secured a strategic partnership with Hanwha Defense USA for MUSV production and robotic shipyard development, and has acquired Metal Shark Boats for shipbuilding capacity and Advanced Technology Group (ATG) for AI capabilities. The company has raised $54 million from Arcline Investment Management and began production of its first M48 USV in 2026, with delivery expected in 2027.

Magnet Defense differentiates from competitors like Anduril Industries and Saronic by focusing on larger, longer-range vessels and integrating autonomy with manufacturing scale. The key open question is whether its robotic shipyard concept can deliver on promised production speed and cost advantages for defense procurement cycles.