A major shipbuilder is stepping deeper into autonomous naval tech, teaming with an AI specialist to develop a 200-foot (70-meter) autonomous surface vessel (ASV) for the US military.
The effort brings together Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Defense USA, and HavocAI, combining shipyard-scale manufacturing with autonomy software designed for contested environments.
The vessel is intended to operate without a crew while supporting a range of military missions.
The partnership positions Hanwha as the only shipbuilder with an active US shipyard to formally align with an autonomous vessels developer. Its Philly Shipyard is being considered as the primary production hub for the large ASV.
HavocAI will supply the autonomy stack, drawing on systems already delivered to the US Department of Defense and tested in GPS-denied conditions.
The agreement also covers preparation for mass production, installation, and long-term technical support.
“This agreement will not only deliver for the American warfighter but will create much-needed competition for the Department of War acquisition process,” Hanwha Defense USA Chief Executive Officer Michael Coulter said.
Scaling the Autonomous Fleet
Once fielded, the ASV would expand the US military’s autonomous fleet alongside vessels such as Sea Hunter and DARPA’s USX-1 Defiant.
HavocAI co-founder Paul Lwin said the project aligns with Pentagon calls to “create more boats faster, with more capabilities for less money.”
“Partnerships like this — pairing a leading-edge technology with an established global infrastructure — are exactly how we achieve that goal,” he added.
