NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland, — Hanwha Defense USA and its partner Magnet Defense showcased the M38 Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) and containerized weapon systems at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 exhibition. The display highlighted autonomous maritime technology and modular weapons designed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, air defence and strike missions.
M38 Vessel Development and Capabilities
Hanwha displayed a scale model of the 38-meter M38, which serves as the primary testing platform for the vessel class. According to Hanwha’s Kevin Schoonover, the parent design vessel recently arrived at National Harbor near Washington, D.C., following sea trials. Meanwhile, steel has already been cut for the larger 48-meter M48 MUSV.
The partnership, formalised earlier in 2026, targets the U.S. and allied unmanned surface vessel markets. Hanwha handles most vessel construction and autonomous weapon integration, while Magnet Defense is responsible for vessel operation and AI-driven autonomous navigation. Magnet Defense has also expanded its manufacturing capacity through the acquisition of shipbuilder Metal Shark.
The M38 features a modular payload deck that accommodates standard shipping containers for different missions. Magnet Defense has reported a range of 17,000 nautical miles across multiple tests, including a trans-Pacific voyage to American Samoa and operations in Sea State 9 conditions. However, the larger M48 prototype completed a roughly 32,000-nautical-mile round trip from Miami to American Samoa in 2024, including a Panama Canal transit and operations in Sea State 9. These figures should not be treated as identical demonstrations by the two vessels.
The M48 is a 48-meter catamaran-style vessel capable of carrying multiple standard shipping containers. The M38 provides a smaller option for potential U.S., South Korean and international customers.
Four Containerized Weapon Systems
Hanwha displayed four weapon configurations in standard 20-foot and 40-foot containers. The M38 can carry up to four 20-foot containers, two 40-foot containers, or two 20-foot containers combined with one 40-foot container.
1. Chunmoo MLRS (20-foot container): This system uses the same launch mechanisms as Hanwha’s truck-mounted Chunmoo launcher and carries two MLRS pods. Each pod can be configured for up to six CGR-080 guided rockets, four CTM-MR ballistic missiles with a 160-kilometre range, four CTM-160 anti-ship ballistic missiles, one CTM-290 ballistic missile with a 290-kilometre range, or one CTM-X ballistic missile with a 500-kilometre range.
2. Compact K-VLS (20-foot container): This shortened, four-cell vertical launch system is designed primarily for smaller surface-to-air missiles, including the K-SAAM.
3. K-VLS I (40-foot container): This four-cell system can launch Red Shark rocket-launched torpedoes (K-ASROC), SSM-700K surface-to-surface cruise missiles and K-SAAM interceptors.
4. K-VLS II (40-foot container): This two-cell system is designed for larger cruise and ballistic missiles, including the L-SAM. The L-SAM is slated to replace the SM-2 missile in South Korean service. Hanwha also displayed a scale model of the K-VLS II container.
Modular Design for Multiple Missions
The containerized approach allows the M38 to carry different weapon packages according to mission requirements. The available systems provide options for strike operations, air defence and anti-submarine warfare, alongside reconnaissance and electronic warfare payloads.
The AUSA 2026 display highlighted the companies’ combined approach: Hanwha contributes vessel construction and weapons integration, while Magnet Defense provides autonomous navigation and operational expertise. Continued M38 testing and M48 production are part of their effort to offer unmanned surface vessels to U.S. and international naval customers.
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