Hanwha And Magnet Will Build H38 Unmanned Vessel
The companies expect to begin construction on the 38-meter uncrewed platform by fall 2026.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Military
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Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense have announced a partnership to develop the H38, a 38-meter medium unmanned surface vessel. Construction on the new platform is scheduled to begin in fall 2026, with formal testing expected to follow in early 2027.
Why it matters
The H38 is designed to perform missions in high-risk zones without endangering sailors by utilizing a modular payload system. This approach supports a shift toward distributing sensors and weaponry across uncrewed platforms instead of concentrating them on large, crewed warships.
The H38 measures 38 meters (124 ft 8 in) in length and utilizes a modular payload truck to adapt for electronic warfare and communications. It builds upon the M48 vessel, which completed a 32,000-nautical-mile voyage in 2024.
The players
Hanwha Defense USA
This is a defense contractor that specializes in advanced land and naval systems.
Magnet Defense
This entity is a defense industry partner focused on maritime technology and naval systems.
The details
The design of the H38 derives from the larger 48-meter M48 unmanned vessel, which demonstrated its capabilities during a long-range voyage that included stops in Miami, the Panama Canal, and American Samoa. Future iterations of the platform may incorporate directed-energy weapons to expand its operational utility in the Pacific region.
Timeline
The M48 completed its 32,000-nautical-mile voyage during 2024.
Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense announced their partnership in April 2026.
Construction of the H38 vessel is set to begin in fall 2026.
Testing for the H38 platform is scheduled to start in January 2027.
Political Context
The move toward H38 vessels reflects a shift away from the 300-sailor requirement of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. This development marks a clear departure from traditional crewed ship design models in favor of unmanned autonomy.
As the military transitions toward uncrewed platforms, citizens may see changes in how naval assets are deployed and funded across the Pacific. This shift potentially reduces the risk to personnel while altering the scale of future defense expenditures.
The takeaway
The pivot to modular, unmanned surface vessels represents a strategic attempt to modernize naval capabilities without increasing the human cost of operations. By testing platforms like the H38, the defense industry is creating a template for decentralized maritime security.
What happens next
Construction of the H38 is slated to begin in fall 2026, followed by a scheduled testing phase in January 2027.
Further reading
For broader trends in naval modernization, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National Interest.
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