The US is promoting the application of artificial intelligence in the defense sector with a project to develop a 38-meter-long medium-sized unmanned vehicle (MUSV). This is considered an important step towards strengthening autonomy in naval operations.
The project is the result of cooperation between Hanwha Defense USA (a company specializing in the defense industry) and Magnet Defense (a technology company specializing in developing marine autonomous systems), announced through a memorandum of understanding signed at the Sea-Air-Space 2026 event (held from April 19 to 22, 2026 at National Harbor, Maryland, USA).
Accordingly, the two sides will jointly design a 38-meter long ship, and develop operating technologies and supporting ecosystems.
Not only stopping at manufacturing vehicles, the project also includes building robot shipyards controlled by AI and developing advanced artificial intelligence software. The goal is to create an autonomous platform that can operate effectively in complex environments, reducing dependence on humans.
Representatives of Hanwha Defense USA said that cooperation with Magnet Defense helps combine production capacity, robot technology with proven autonomous systems. This is expected to bring high-performance MUSV ships, meeting modern combat requirements.
In fact, Magnet Defense already owns the M48 unmanned spacecraft model, which is one of the platforms with the longest operating range today.
This vehicle can reach speeds of up to 68 knots/hour and an operating range of about 17,000 nautical miles, allowing widespread deployment.
Equipped with artificial intelligence, the M48 has the ability to detect, classify threats and propose response plans. However, humans still play a decisive role in important situations, ensuring tactical control.
MUSV ships can undertake many tasks such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, missile defense support, electronic warfare, logistics and anti-submarine warfare. Modular design allows for rapid configuration changes, shortening preparation time and extending operating time at sea.
The development of MUSV shows that the trend of automation is spreading in the naval field. These platforms not only improve combat effectiveness but also minimize risks for humans in dangerous missions.
