Gulf Coast Tactical Expands New Iberia Operations to Support Next-Generation Maritime Defense

• The project is expected to create 137 new job opportunities in the Acadiana Region.

• Gulf Coast Tactical manufactures advanced maritime vessels, including unmanned surface vehicles supporting defense and security operations.

• Phased operational growth is expected over the next 12 to 24 months.

NEW IBERIA, La. – Gulf Coast Tactical, LLC announced it will invest $6.1 million in Iberia Parish to expand production of unmanned surface vehicles, patrol craft and other maritime platforms used in security operations, reinforcing Louisiana’s growing role in America’s defense economy.

The company is expected to create 65 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000, which is 40% above the average Iberia Parish wage, while retaining 16 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 72 indirect new jobs, for a total of 137 potential new job opportunities in the Acadiana Region.

“Louisiana’s maritime industry has supported generations of skilled manufacturing and defense operations, and companies like Gulf Coast Tactical are helping carry that legacy forward through next-generation technology and innovation,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “This expansion reinforces Louisiana’s leadership in maritime manufacturing as global demand grows for advanced defense and autonomous vessel capabilities.”

The expansion will enhance Gulf Coast Tactical’s fabrication, assembly, systems integration and testing capabilities for unmanned surface vehicles, patrol craft and other maritime platforms. The investment will help the company meet growing domestic and international defense and security demand while advancing autonomous vessel technology. That work includes modular payloads, communications and sensor systems that support future AI-enabled maritime capabilities.

“Gulf Coast Tactical is proud to expand our operations in Louisiana, a state that offers unmatched access to skilled labor, critical waterways and a strong industrial base,” Gulf Coast Tactical President Jeff LeLeux said. “This project represents a significant step forward in our mission to deliver advanced maritime solutions while creating high-quality jobs and strengthening the region’s role in national and international security. Louisiana provides the workforce, industrial capability and maritime heritage necessary to support the next generation of autonomous and mission-ready maritime systems.”

Founded in Louisiana and operating from the Port of Iberia, Gulf Coast Tactical combines the region’s longstanding shipbuilding expertise with emerging autonomous maritime technologies. The company’s broader maritime network has delivered more than 400 vessels worldwide supporting defense, commercial and security operations.

“Gulf Coast Tactical’s expansion is a major win for Iberia Parish and for Acadiana’s growing maritime and defense industry sector,” Iberia Industrial Development Foundation President and CEO Michael J. Tarantino said. “This investment brings high-quality jobs, strengthens our advanced manufacturing capabilities, and reinforces Iberia Parish as a strategic location for innovative companies serving national security and maritime operations.”

Facility expansion and operational scaling activities are underway, with phased growth anticipated over the next 12 to 24 months.

“Gulf Coast Tactical’s expansion speaks to the strength of Acadiana’s business climate and the growing opportunities within our advanced manufacturing and maritime sectors,” One Acadiana President and CEO Troy Wayman said. “Their investment is creating high-quality jobs for the people of our region while demonstrating that Acadiana is well-positioned to support emerging industries tied to innovation, security, and next-generation maritime technology. One Acadiana is committed to supporting companies that choose to grow right here at home, and we proudly celebrate this win alongside our partners at the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation.”

To secure the project in Iberia Parish, the state of Louisiana offered Gulf Coast Tactical, LLC a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart and a $500,000 performance-based grant tied to equipment investments. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and High Impact Jobs programs.

Register here to be notified about Gulf Coast Tactical, LLC job opportunities, hiring events and news updates. Louisiana companies, make sure your business is registered at SourceLouisiana.com to enter the pipeline for contract and vendor opportunities with development projects statewide.

About Gulf Coast Tactical, LLC
Gulf Coast Tactical is a Louisiana-based manufacturer specializing in advanced maritime vessels, including aluminum patrol boats, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and mission-specific watercraft used for defense, law enforcement, and commercial applications. The company integrates advanced autonomy, modular payload systems, and durable marine fabrication to deliver scalable maritime solutions tailored to domestic and international customers. Through its distributed manufacturing approach and open-architecture RS1.1 autonomy stack, Gulf Coast Tactical supports the evolving needs of maritime security, defense operations, and autonomous vessel deployment worldwide. For more information visit gulfcoasttac.com/.

About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Explore how LED is positioning Louisiana to win at OpportunityLouisiana.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rachel Hoffman, Gulf Coast Tactical Director of Resource Management
r.hoffman@gulfcoasttac.com

Emma Wagner, LED Executive Director of Communications
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
912.467.2117

Jacey Wesley, LED Strategic Communications Manager
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov
225.342.5536