Hanwha Philly Shipyard and TOTE Services Selected to Build New MDA Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel

By: Naval News Staff

Artist impression of the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) future Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel (MRIV). TOTE Services image.

TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have been selected to build the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s new Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel, ‘Golden Defender.’

Source: TOTE Services press release

Philadelphia, PA (July 17, 2026) — TOTE Services, LLC, a leading U.S. maritime services company specializing in vessel construction management and ship management, and Hanwha Philly Shipyard (HPSI), one of the nation’s leading commercial shipbuilders, today announced they have been selected to deliver the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Missile Range Instrumentation Vessels (MRIV). TOTE Services will serve as vessel construction manager (VCM), and HPSI will build the ships at its Philadelphia shipyard.

The MRIV will replace the Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector, which currently support missile range instrumentation missions and were constructed in 1965 and 1970, respectively.

The selection of a VCM for the MRIV program comes as the federal government sharpens its focus on rebuilding the U.S. maritime industrial base, with shipbuilding capacity now recognized as a major national security priority.

TOTE Services and HPSI will use the same commercially managed VCM model they are currently deploying under the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program for the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). That five-vessel program has already delivered three ships, with the fourth, Lone Star State, christened today and set for delivery in the coming months, and the fifth and final vessel expected in mid-2027. The NSMV program has demonstrated how commercial management brings stronger cost control, schedule performance, and execution to complex vessel classes.

Speaking at the christening of the Lone Star State, Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced the award:

"It is thus my honor to announce the awarding of a contract to build the newest Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel ‘Golden Defender’ right here in Philadelphia under the combined management of Hanwha Philly and TOTE Services as the vessel construction manager. This new ship will not only support the President’s policy of restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, but also support the President’s ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system over the entirety of our nation. Golden Defender will serve the Missile Defense Agency in this mission."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said:

"What an incredible day for the nation’s maritime industry. In christening the Lone Star State, we are sending a message that the next generation of maritime leaders are worth investing in. I want to also thank Director Vought for his leadership in spearheading the President’s Maritime Dominance objectives. These two new vessels – built by American patriots in the city our nation was founded in – will equip our military to better protect the nation and our servicemembers from foreign threats. Our Department will continue its work to rekindle America’s maritime heritage and build ships at the Speed of Trump."

Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services, said:

"The Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel advances our national security as a centerpiece of the Administration’s Golden Dome for America initiative. TOTE Services’ Vessel Construction Management model has proven to be a success in the National Security Multi-mission Vessel program from the Department of Transportation and MARAD. Our team will bring that same skill, urgency and process to meet the moment and the mission. The MRIV program is a direct result of the ingenuity and coordination of the federal interagency team from the Department of War, Missile Defense Agency, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Transportation, MARAD, and all of the government leaders who have championed this approach. Together, we will deliver the next generation of U.S. defense capability and we are honored to be selected for this critical shipbuilding program."