Page 43: of Marine News Magazine (January 2026)

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Vessels

Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark

Magnet Defense LLC completed its acquisition of Metal

Shark, bringing together autonomous systems, arti? cial intelligence and established U.S. shipbuilding capacity to accelerate delivery of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for national security missions. The combination positions the newly integrated company as a supplier of AI-enabled USVs for U.S. and allied military customers, with Metal Shark’s

Louisiana shipyards serving as production hubs supporting ? eet operations and missile defense missions, including re- quirements tied to the U.S. “Golden Fleet” initiative.

Magnet Defense said the transaction marks a shift from prototype development to scalable, industrial-rate produc- tion. By pairing its software-de? ned autonomy stack and modular vessel designs with Metal Shark’s shipbuilding in- frastructure and workforce, the company aims to deliver au- tonomous maritime platforms at greater speed and volume.

The shipbuilder operates two manufacturing facilities in Louisiana totaling more than 125,000 sq. ft. across 40 acres, supported by an experienced production workforce and in-house engineering resources—assets that now pro- vide Magnet Defense with immediate production depth and execution capacity.

Ribcraft Debuts Electric RIB and mission-speci? c bespoke architecture. The RAD 40 delivers 40 kW continuous power with digital drive-by- wire control enabling precise maneuvering in tight or tactical environments. Quiet operation reduced acoustic footprint during wildlife, SAR, or tactical missions. AC/

DC fast-charging compatibility supporting ? exible de- ployment and turnaround times.

Ribcraft PRO 480 Speci? cation:

Ribcraft • Overall Length: 4.8m

Ribcraft unveiled the PRO 480 powered by the RAD 40 • Overall Beam: 2.1 m electric outboard, a UK-built demonstrator that strength- • Tube Diameter: 460 mm ens Ribcraft’s next-generation electric RHIB portfolio for • Commercial-Grade Construction professional, commercial and government operators. Built • FS Double Tandem Jockey Seat Console on the trademarked Ribcraft Deep-V Hull, the Ribcraft • Fitted with RAD 40 Electric Outboard

PRO 480 sports its trademarked Ribcraft Deep-V Hull, • RAD 21 kWh Battery heavy-duty Hypalon tubes, robust composite structure, • Electric propulsion capability www.marinelink.com MN 43|