Magnet Defense has completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a shipbuilder specializing in defense and law enforcement vessels. The deal positions Magnet Defense as a supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels for U.S. and allied military forces.
Highlights
- Acquisition completed: Magnet Defense now owns Metal Shark’s Louisiana shipyards, workforce, and engineering operations
- Production capacity: Two facilities spanning 125,000 square feet across 40 acres enable industrial-scale autonomous vessel manufacturing
- Proven track record: Metal Shark has delivered over 2,000 vessels, including 500+ to the U.S. Navy and 600+ to the U.S. Coast Guard
- Strategic alignment: The combined company supports the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative for autonomous maritime defense
From Prototype to Production
The acquisition advances Magnet Defense’s strategy of pairing advanced robotics and AI-enabled systems with domestic manufacturing capacity. Metal Shark’s established operations allow the company to transition from prototype development to sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms.
Magnet Defense develops fully autonomous national security maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defense missions.
Addressing Shipbuilding Capacity Gaps
U.S. shipbuilding capacity has fallen behind peer competitors as global maritime security demands increase. Magnet Defense aims to address this gap through:
- Artificial intelligence integration
- Modular vessel design
- Modern manufacturing approaches
Metal Shark’s Capabilities
Metal Shark brings more than 20 years of experience in mission-specific vessel design and construction. The company’s delivery record includes vessels for military forces worldwide.
Its Louisiana facilities provide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity, supported by a seasoned workforce and established engineering organization.
Learn more at www.magnetdefense.com
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