Magnet Defense LLC, Miami, announced that it has begun production of its first deliverable M48 uncrewed surface vessel, marking the transition of the program from prototype to production platform. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.
The company describes the M48 as a medium-sized, combat-capable autonomous surface vessel designed for sustained open-ocean operations. The 157' platform is valued at $30 million and will be equipped with Magnet Defense's proprietary DriveAI navigational autonomy suite upon delivery, the company said in a press release.
The M48 is built on the same hull, mechanical, and electrical systems as the company's Magnet Research Vessel, a prototype that has logged more than 1,000 days at sea and over 40,000 nautical miles since its 2020 launch, including operations in extreme weather conditions, according to the press release.
Magnet Defense said the M48 supports a broad range of mission sets, including integrated air and missile defense, long-range kill chains, contested logistics, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, and search and rescue. The platform has a stated range of up to 17,000 nautical miles.
"The M48 is not a conceptual system. It is a proven capability that has operated in the real world, in real conditions," Marc Bell, chief executive officer of Magnet Defense, said in a statement. "Beginning production means warfighters and mission partners can soon access that capability."
Magnet Defense declined a request from WorkBoat for additional information.
The company is among a growing mix of new and established defense contractors racing to develop uncrewed surface vessels for the U.S. Navy.
In January, Magnet Defense announced plans to acquire shipbuilder Metal Shark, Jeanerette, La., and tech group Advanced Technology Group. In December, it said it had invested over $50 million in designing, building, and validating the M48.
