Saronic, a defense technology company specializing in autonomous maritime systems, has expanded its operations to Mississippi, establishing a site at the Port of Gulfport to test and commission its Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel, Marauder.
On Sunday, the company announced the expansion at an event at the Port of Gulfport attended by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, representatives from Gov. Tate Reeves, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell’s offices, along with leaders from the port and the University of Southern Mississippi.
The Gulfport site will support testing and commissioning of Marauder, a 180-foot autonomous vessel, as Saronic scales production and moves the ships from manufacturing to final delivery to defense and commercial customers.
“Gulfport has developed an incredible ecosystem of partners across industry, academic, and government to advance the future of maritime systems,” Saronic co-founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas said. “With a long legacy of shipbuilding, fabrication, and offshore operations, Gulfport is an ideal location to support the testing and commissioning of Marauder as we scale production and deliver autonomous ships to our defense and commercial partners.”
During the announcement, Saronic officials touted Mississippi’s recent investment in infrastructure and research aimed at supporting the development of uncrewed maritime systems. The Mississippi State Port Authority has developed the Port of Gulfport into a deepwater container gateway – with additional expansion potentially on the way – while the University of Southern Mississippi operates the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise, which focuses on research and development for uncrewed maritime systems.
Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Saronic’s expansion is part of Mississippi’s growing role in the nation’s defense industry.
“Thanks to innovators like Saronic, unmanned technology is advancing faster, ships are built more efficiently, and our warfighters are better equipped for the challenges ahead,” Wicker said. “This critical work is being done in the great state of Mississippi, where we continue to lead the way to strengthen our defense industrial base. As chairman of the Armed Services Committee, we will continue to invest in our future, and we will not leave our military unprepared.”
Reeves said Mississippi’s maritime infrastructure and workforce make the state attractive to companies like Saronic developing autonomous maritime technology.
“Our state’s strong maritime assets, pro-business environment, and talented workforce make Mississippi the right place for companies developing the next generation of maritime technologies,” the governor said.
Statements praising the announcement also came from Port of Gulfport CEO Jon Nass, Hyde-Smith, Ezell, and Kelly. Ezell and Kelly chair the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces subcommittees, respectively.
“The decision to establish Gulfport as the site for Marauder’s commissioning and testing is a major win for Mississippi and a testament to the unmatched capabilities of our Gulf Coast workforce,” Ezell said. “I’m proud to support innovative technologies that strengthen our national defense while creating high-quality jobs here at home.”
“Saronic’s investment in Gulfport strengthens Mississippi’s maritime industrial base, supports good-paying jobs, and helps ensure our Navy has the capabilities it needs for the future,” Kelly added.