Hanwha Philly Shipyard was selected as the contractor to build the Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel (MRIV) supporting the United States' next-generation missile defense system 'Golden Dome,' with the US Maritime Administration officially announcing the contract on the 17th (local time) at the NSMV 4 'Lone Star State' naming ceremony held at the Philadelphia shipyard. The selection positions Hanwha to construct vessels that will track missile trajectories during flight tests and support telemetry data collection, communications, and test result analysis. This contract marks Hanwha Philly Shipyard's expansion from commercial vessel construction to building ships related to US national security, serving as a core hub for the MASGA (Make America's Shipyards Great Again) project aimed at rebuilding American shipbuilding through US-Korea cooperation.
Hanwha Philly Shipyard Awarded MRIV Construction Contract for Golden Dome System
The US Maritime Administration announced the MRIV construction contract award on the 17th (local time) during the naming ceremony for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) 4 'Lone Star State' at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia. The MRIV, referred to as 'Golden Defender,' will track missile trajectories during flight tests and support telemetry data collection, communications, and test result analysis. Hanwha Philly Shipyard will handle vessel construction while TOTE Services, a ship construction management company, will manage overall project aspects including schedule and costs. The two companies are also collaborating on the 5-vessel NSMV construction project ordered by the US Maritime Administration.
MRIV Vessels Scheduled for Sequential Delivery Starting 2030
The MRIV vessels are scheduled to be delivered sequentially starting in 2030. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that "the new vessels being built at Hanwha Philly Shipyard will contribute to protecting the military and service members from external threats." David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard, emphasized that "this project is an example of what is possible when proven design capabilities, skilled personnel, and close cooperation between government and industry are combined."
Hanwha Philly Shipyard Expands Portfolio with National Security Vessel Projects
Hanwha Philly Shipyard has delivered 3 of the 5 NSMVs and is currently constructing the remaining 2 vessels. The shipyard is also participating with Hanwha Defense USA in the US Navy's Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) conceptual design project, pursuing entry into the US Navy vessel market. The MRIV contract represents Hanwha Philly Shipyard's expansion from a commercial vessel-focused shipyard to one constructing vessels related to US national security. Hanwha is developing Philly Shipyard as a core hub for the MASGA project, a US-Korea cooperation initiative for rebuilding American shipbuilding.
FAQ
What is the MRIV contract awarded to Hanwha Philly Shipyard?
The MRIV (Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel) contract, announced by the US Maritime Administration on the 17th (local time), tasks Hanwha Philly Shipyard with building vessels called 'Golden Defender' that will track missile trajectories during flight tests and support telemetry data collection, communications, and test result analysis for the US Golden Dome missile defense system, with sequential delivery starting in 2030.
What other US Navy projects is Hanwha Philly Shipyard working on?
Hanwha Philly Shipyard has delivered 3 of 5 National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) and is currently constructing the remaining 2 vessels in collaboration with TOTE Services, and is also participating with Hanwha Defense USA in the US Navy's Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) conceptual design project.
