Defense technology company Saronic is investing $300 million to expand a Louisiana shipyard into a major autonomous vessel production hub. The revamped facility at the former Gulf Craft shipyard in Franklin will add over 300,000 square feet of production capacity and create approximately 1,500 jobs. The expansion supports Saronic’s mission to manufacture its 150-foot Marauder autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. Navy, with operations expected online by early 2027. This strategic investment underscores growing U.S. commitment to autonomous maritime capabilities and domestic shipbuilding modernization.