Magnet Defense has commenced production of its first M48 uncrewed surface vessel (USV), with delivery expected in the second quarter of 2027.
This follows the introduction of the autonomous maritime platform in December last year, following more than two years of development. It marks the transition from an operationally validated prototype programme to a production platform.
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The M48 USV, which Magnet Defense describes as a medium-sized, combat-capable autonomous surface vessel, is built for extended operation in “open-ocean” environment and can travel up to 17,000 nautical miles.
According to the company, the vessel can self-deploy from San Diego to the Arabian Gulf, without refuelling or external assistance.
The platform is based on the same hull, mechanical, and electrical systems as the Magnet Research Vessel prototype.
Since its launch in 2020, this prototype has accumulated over 1,000 days at sea and covered more than 40,000 nautical miles, operating in a variety of weather conditions.
Magnet Defense equips each M48 with its proprietary DriveAI navigational autonomy suite. The vessel supports a range of missions such as Integrated Air and Missile Defence, Long Range Kill Chains, Contested Logistics, Anti-Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare, Electronic Warfare, and Search and Rescue.
These capabilities are aimed at increasing operational reach and effectiveness for joint forces without additional manpower or logistics demands, the company said.
Magnet Defense CEO Marc Bell said: “The M48 is not a conceptual system. It is a proven capability that has operated in the real world, in real conditions. Beginning production means warfighters and mission partners can soon access that capability.”
