Gulf Coast Tactical LLC, New Iberia, La., is expanding its operations with a $6.1 million investment aimed at increasing production capacity for unmanned surface vessels (USVs), patrol craft, and other maritime platforms supporting defense and security missions.
The expansion at the company’s Iberia Parish facility will enhance fabrication, assembly, systems integration, and testing capabilities as demand grows for autonomous and mission-ready vessels in domestic and international markets.
The project is expected to create 65 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000, according to Louisiana Economic Development (LED). The company will retain 16 existing jobs. LED estimates the project could generate an additional 72 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential regional impact to 137 jobs.
Founded in Louisiana and operating from the Port of Iberia, Gulf Coast Tactical builds advanced maritime platforms for defense and security applications, including unmanned surface vessels. The company said the expansion will support increased production of vessels equipped with modular payloads, communications systems, and sensor packages tied to evolving autonomous and AI-enabled maritime operations.
Company president Jeff LeLeux said the investment will help Gulf Coast Tactical scale operations to meet growing demand for next-generation maritime defense platforms.
Louisiana officials pointed to the project as another sign of the state’s expanding role in maritime manufacturing and defense-related production, particularly in South Louisiana, where shipbuilding infrastructure and skilled labor remain key advantages.
To support the project, the state offered Gulf Coast Tactical an incentives package that includes workforce development support through LED FastStart and a $500,000 performance-based grant tied to equipment investments. The company is also expected to participate in Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption and High Impact Jobs programs.
Facility expansion and operational scaling are already underway, with phased growth expected over the next 12 to 24 months.
