08. January 2026
Magnet Defense Expands Global Maritime Security With Acquisition Of Leading Shipbuilder Metal Shark
Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark to Accelerate Autonomous Maritime Capabilities and U.S. Shipbuilding Capacity, Enhancing Global Maritime Security Efforts
In a significant move to bolster its autonomous maritime capabilities and support the U.S. shipbuilding industry, Magnet Defense has officially completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a prominent designer and shipbuilder of highly-capable maritime platforms for defense and law enforcement missions. This strategic merger brings together two innovative companies to form a leading supplier of AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs), poised to revolutionize the global maritime security landscape.
At the heart of this acquisition is Magnet Defense’s ambition to pair advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production, thereby bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and sustained delivery of autonomous maritime platforms. By integrating Metal Shark’s established shipbuilding operations, workforce, and facilities, Magnet Defense is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered unmanned vessels in the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.
The combined entity will provide the U.S. military with a robust portfolio of AI-enabled USVs, tailored to meet the evolving needs of global maritime security. This strategic partnership positions Magnet Defense as a premier player in the autonomous maritime space, capable of delivering high-performance platforms at speed and scale.
Global maritime security demands are on the rise, driven by an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The proliferation of terrorism, piracy, and other maritime threats has underscored the need for advanced maritime capabilities to protect national interests and ensure regional stability. However, U.S. shipbuilding capacity has faced significant challenges in recent years, with production output lagging behind that of its peer competitors.
Magnet Defense’s acquisition of Metal Shark offers a timely solution to this capacity gap. By leveraging Metal Shark’s extensive experience in designing and constructing mission-specific vessels, Magnet Defense aims to rebuild domestic maritime capability and deliver next-generation platforms that meet the demands of an ever-evolving security environment. The company’s modular vessel design philosophy, which emphasizes flexibility, scalability, and adaptability, is well-suited to address the complex operational requirements of modern maritime forces.
Metal Shark’s 20+ years of experience in shipbuilding and construction has yielded a diverse portfolio of over 2,000 vessels delivered to customers worldwide, including notable contracts with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and allied nation military forces. The company’s expertise in mission-specific vessel design has been tempered by its dedication to innovation, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and materials to enhance platform performance and efficiency.
The acquisition also brings Metal Shark’s two Louisiana manufacturing facilities into the Magnet Defense fold, providing immediate production depth and execution capacity. Spanning over 125,000 square feet of manufacturing space across 40 acres, these facilities are supported by a seasoned workforce and a strong engineering organization, ensuring seamless integration with Magnet Defense’s existing operations.
The combined entity will capitalize on the synergy between Metal Shark’s industrial-scale production capabilities and Magnet Defense’s AI-enabled software-defined systems. This powerful partnership will drive innovation and efficiency in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, positioning it for sustained success in an increasingly competitive global market.
As the autonomous maritime landscape continues to evolve, Magnet Defense’s acquisition of Metal Shark marks a significant turning point in the development of next-generation USVs. By combining advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production, the company is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for AI-powered unmanned vessels in the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.
With its extensive experience in mission-specific vessel design and construction, combined with Magnet Defense’s AI-enabled software-defined systems, the company is poised to deliver high-performance USVs that meet the evolving needs of global maritime security. The partnership also underscores Magnet Defense’s commitment to supporting the U.S. military’s efforts to maintain a robust and agile fleet, while enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of autonomous maritime capabilities, Magnet Defense’s acquisition of Metal Shark represents a major step forward in the development of next-generation USVs. By combining advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered unmanned vessels in the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.
Magnet Defense’s partnership with Metal Shark will drive innovation and efficiency in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, positioning it for sustained success in an increasingly competitive global market. The combined entity will provide the U.S. military with a robust portfolio of AI-enabled USVs, tailored to meet the evolving needs of global maritime security.
The acquisition also underscores Magnet Defense’s commitment to supporting the U.S. Navy’s efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. By delivering high-performance USVs that meet the evolving needs of global maritime security, Magnet Defense is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of U.S. naval power.
As the autonomous maritime landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that Magnet Defense’s acquisition of Metal Shark represents a significant turning point in the development of next-generation USVs. With its extensive experience in mission-specific vessel design and construction, combined with Magnet Defense’s AI-enabled software-defined systems, the company is poised to deliver high-performance USVs that meet the evolving needs of global maritime security.
The partnership highlights Magnet Defense’s commitment to supporting the U.S. military’s efforts to maintain a robust and agile fleet, while enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. By delivering high-performance USVs that meet the evolving needs of global maritime security, Magnet Defense is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of U.S. naval power.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of autonomous maritime capabilities, Magnet Defense’s acquisition of Metal Shark represents a major step forward in the development of next-generation USVs. By combining advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered unmanned vessels in the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.
The combined entity will provide the U.S. military with a robust portfolio of AI-enabled USVs, tailored to meet the evolving needs of global maritime security. Magnet Defense’s partnership with Metal Shark will drive innovation and efficiency in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, positioning it for sustained success in an increasingly competitive global market.
Magnet Defense’s acquisition of Metal Shark represents a major milestone in the development of autonomous maritime capabilities and U.S. shipbuilding capacity. By combining advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production, the company is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for AI-powered unmanned vessels in the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.
The acquisition also underscores Magnet Defense’s commitment to supporting the U.S. Navy’s efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. By delivering high-performance USVs that meet the evolving needs of global maritime security, Magnet Defense is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of U.S. naval power.
As the autonomous maritime landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that Magnet Defense’s acquisition of Metal Shark represents a significant turning point in the development of next-generation USVs. With its extensive experience in mission-specific vessel design and construction, combined with Magnet Defense’s AI-enabled software-defined systems, the company is poised to deliver high-performance USVs that meet the evolving needs of global maritime security.
The partnership also underscores Magnet Defense’s commitment to supporting the U.S. military’s efforts to maintain a robust and agile fleet, while enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. By delivering high-performance USVs that meet the evolving needs of global maritime security, Magnet Defense is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of U.S. naval power.
In conclusion, Magnet Defense’s acquisition of Metal Shark represents a major milestone in the development of autonomous maritime capabilities and U.S. shipbuilding capacity. By combining advanced robotics and AI-enabled software-defined systems with domestic industrial-scale production, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-powered unmanned vessels in the U.S. Golden Fleet initiative.
The acquisition also underscores Magnet Defense’s commitment to supporting the U.S. Navy’s efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. By delivering high-performance USVs that meet the evolving needs of global maritime security, Magnet Defense is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of U.S. naval power.
As the autonomous maritime landscape continues to evolve