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Brownsville Today
By the People, for the People
Austin Startup Eyes $3.2B Shipyard in South Texas
Saronic Technologies, co-founded by a former Navy SEAL, plans to build autonomous vessels for the U.S. Navy in Brownsville.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Saronic Technologies, an Austin-based defense technology startup co-founded by a former Navy SEAL, has submitted applications to build a $3.2 billion shipyard in Brownsville, Texas. The proposed facility would manufacture autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. military over the course of four construction phases on a 4,387-acre site owned by the Port of Brownsville.
Why it matters
The potential shipyard project represents a significant economic development opportunity for the Brownsville region, which is home to one of the largest ports in the country. It also highlights the rapid growth of autonomous maritime technology and the U.S. military's increasing investment in these types of unmanned systems.
The details
Saronic Technologies, founded in 2022, has already secured lucrative contracts with the U.S. Navy, including a $394 million deal announced in December. The company, valued at $4 billion, was co-founded by former Navy SEAL Dino Mavrookas, who serves as CEO, and former Marine Rob Lehman, who is the Chief Commercial Officer. Saronic describes itself as a manufacturer of "intelligent Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs)" that can be integrated into naval and maritime fleets.
- In September 2022, Saronic Technologies was founded.
- In December 2022, the U.S. Navy announced a $394 million contract with Saronic.
- In February 2026, Saronic submitted applications for property tax abatements from Cameron County to build the proposed shipyard.
The players
Saronic Technologies
An Austin-based defense technology startup that manufactures autonomous surface vessels for the U.S. military.
Dino Mavrookas
The CEO of Saronic Technologies and a former member of Navy SEAL Team 6.
Rob Lehman
The Chief Commercial Officer of Saronic Technologies and a former Marine.
John C. Phelan
The U.S. Navy Secretary who announced a $394 million contract with Saronic Technologies in December 2022.
Port of Brownsville
One of the largest ports in the country, located in Brownsville, Texas, which could host Saronic's proposed $3.2 billion shipyard.
What they’re saying
“The Navy isn't admiring problems from the sidelines; we're moving forward at war-footing speed.”
— John C. Phelan, U.S. Navy Secretary (mysanantonio.com)
“With Saronic, we went from prototype to production in under a year. That's rapid innovation, real competition, and combat power in sailors' and Marines' hands, not on PowerPoints.”
— John C. Phelan, U.S. Navy Secretary (mysanantonio.com)
What’s next
Cameron County officials are expected to consider Saronic's tax abatement agreements during a public meeting at the end of March 2026.
The takeaway
Saronic Technologies' potential $3.2 billion shipyard project in Brownsville highlights the growing importance of autonomous maritime technology for the U.S. military and the economic development opportunities it can bring to regions with ample port infrastructure.
