#USA #Arlington #Autonomous Vessels #HavocAI #Hanwha Defense

Hanwha and HavocAI Collaborate on Autonomous Maritime Innovation

In a significant move for the maritime defense sector, Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA) and HavocAI have officially announced a partnership aimed at the development of a 200-foot autonomous surface vessel (ASV). This collaboration marks the first of its kind between a leading global shipbuilding company and a cutting-edge autonomous technology provider. The ambitious project is poised to enhance capabilities for naval operations and Aligned to meet increasing demands by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Partnership Highlights

The strategic agreement was unveiled on January 8, 2026, during a press conference in Arlington, Virginia. The partnership integrates Hanwha's vast experience in shipbuilding, with a notable operational shipyard located in the United States, and HavocAI's expertise in collaborative autonomy technology. HavocAI has been recognized for its advanced methodologies which are not only gaining traction in the defense sector but have also seen successful demonstrations.

Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, emphasized the potential of this partnership, stating, "This collaboration will yield state-of-the-art ASVs at scale for American service members. It not only meets the needs of the military but also encourages competition within the military acquisition process." The intention is clear: deliver innovative maritime vessels that bolster national defense capabilities.

Technical Advancements

HavocAI has made significant strides in maritime autonomy, recently completing an $85 million funding round and showcasing its technology in challenging environments, such as GPS-denied locations. Their systems have already been validated after multiple deployments with the U.S. Department of Defense. In a recent test, Ukrainian officials witnessed the successful operation of their autonomous protection systems, heralding a new era for unmanned maritime vehicles.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two companies, they will focus on a comprehensive approach that includes mass production planning, technical support, installation, and joint proposal development. Hanwha's Philly Shipyard is under consideration to manufacture the 200-foot autonomous vessel, signifying a strategic direction for future naval capabilities.

The operational parameters of this partnership will align with the U.S. Government's requirements for the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops, ensuring compliance and support from federal agencies.

The Future of Autonomous Vessels

This collaboration builds upon earlier joint efforts, including a successful technology demonstration in fall 2025 at Hanwha's Geoje shipyard in South Korea. During this event, Havoc AI conducted an autonomous force protection mission near Hawaii, facilitating command and control from Geoje, thus showcasing the reliability and effectiveness of their systems over long distances.

As the demand for more advanced, agile, and cost-effective vessels in the defense sector grows, initiatives like the Hanwha-HavocAI partnership are imperative. The need for faster, more capable maritime solutions has never been clearer, and this synergistic approach aims to fulfill those demands while enhancing operational capabilities for American forces.

About the Companies

Hanwha Defense USA is part of the Hanwha Aerospace group, with a strong reputation for delivering reliable defense platforms across various markets. By emphasizing local workforce development and establishing a strong industrial base, they continue to grow their presence in the U.S. defense landscape. For further details, visit Hanwha Defense USA.

HavocAI, a leader in the field of collaborative maritime autonomy, was founded in 2024 and is headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. Their commitment to delivering scalable autonomy solutions has established them as a prominent player serving the U.S. military. More information can be found at HavocAI.

Together, Hanwha and HavocAI are set to redefine the future of maritime defense technology, ushering in a new era of versatility and capability for U.S. naval operations.