# Hanwha and Magnet Defense Begin MUSV Construction

Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense are commencing construction this fall 2026 on the H38, a new 38-meter medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) designed to meet the U.S. Navy's MUSV marketplace initiative for rapid procurement of mission-capable unmanned vessels. Testing of the H38 is scheduled for early 2027, reflecting the Navy's interest in modular, multi-mission unmanned platforms capable of electronic warfare, communications, and lethal effects payloads. This partnership signals expanding opportunities for contractors specializing in unmanned maritime systems and modular payload integration.

- The U.S. Navy's MUSV initiative prioritizes rapid acquisition of adaptable unmanned surface vessels, creating potential contracting avenues for prime contractors and technology partners.
- Hanwha Defense USA, as prime contractor, and Magnet Defense, as partner, are developing a modular system architecture to support payload flexibility, aligning with Navy requirements for scalable mission capabilities.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on modularity and multi-mission payloads, indicating demand for integrated electronic warfare, communications, and directed energy systems.
- Industry stakeholders can anticipate follow-on testing and evaluation phases in early 2027, which may lead to further contract awards or expanded production opportunities.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (Navy)

### Vendors
- Hanwha Defense USA (prime contractor)
- Magnet Defense (partner)

### Key Quotes
> As we talk with the Navy, they’re very interested in modular solutions. One day it may be EW [electronic warfare]. One day it may be linking for communications. One day it may be lethal effects. So we’ve been focused on bringing those capabilities in partnership with Magnet, so we will be beginning construction of those next month, and we’ll be testing on other platforms our payloads this fall, and testing on the H38 in January to bring capability.
> — Michael Coulter, CEO, Hanwha Defense USA

> We have meetings and discussions with the Navy related to where they want to go, etc. Our main focus is that we’re leaning forward. We’re going to bring the capability not just as a vessel, but as a complete system that has all the hooks to be able to switch and swap, whether it’s directed energy or a missile system.
> — Kevin Schoonover, Senior Vice President for Missiles, Hanwha Defense USA

### Sources
- [Hanwha, Magnet Defense to start construction on new MUSV this fall, testing next year - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/09/hanwha-magnet-defense-to-start-construction-on-new-musv-this-fall-testing-next-year) - Breaking Defense