Magnet Defense LLC has completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a US-based designer and builder of maritime platforms for defence and law enforcement use.
The combined group positions Magnet Defense as a supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for US and allied military customers.
Metal Shark’s shipyards will serve as the production base for deliveries linked to the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.
The acquisition supports Magnet Defense’s plan to pair autonomous systems and AI-based software with domestic, industrial-scale shipbuilding.
By integrating Metal Shark’s existing facilities, workforce and production processes, the company moves beyond prototype development towards sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms.
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Demand for maritime security capability continues to increase, while US shipbuilding capacity has struggled to keep pace with international competitors.
Magnet Defense is seeking to address this gap by combining artificial intelligence, modular vessel design and modern manufacturing methods to accelerate production of new platforms.
Metal Shark brings more than two decades of experience in the design and construction of mission-specific vessels.
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The company has delivered more than 2,000 vessels globally, including over 500 for the US Navy, 600 for the U.S. Coast Guard and additional platforms for allied military forces.
Its two manufacturing sites in Louisiana provide more than 125,000 square feet of production space across 40 acres, supported by an established workforce and in-house engineering capability.
These assets give Magnet Defense immediate production capacity and execution capability.
For more information:
Magnet Defense – https://magnetdefense.com/
