$6.1 million Iberia Parish project expected to create 137 new job opportunities in Louisiana’s Acadiana Region
NEW IBERIA, La. (June 17, 2026) — 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 advanced maritime platforms used in defense and security operations.
The project reinforces Louisiana’s growing role in America’s defense economy and supports the continued expansion of next-generation maritime manufacturing in the Acadiana Region.
Gulf Coast Tactical is expected to create 65 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000, which is 40 percent above the average Iberia Parish wage. The company will also retain 16 existing 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,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “This expansion reinforces Louisiana’s leadership in maritime manufacturing as global demand grows for advanced defense and autonomous vessel capabilities.”
Expanding Maritime Defense and Autonomous Vessel Production
The expansion will enhance Gulf Coast Tactical’s fabrication, assembly, systems integration and testing capabilities for:
- Unmanned surface vehicles
- Patrol craft
- Mission-specific maritime platforms
- Modular payload systems
- Communications and sensor systems
- Future AI-enabled maritime capabilities
The investment will help the company meet growing domestic and international demand for defense and security vessels while advancing autonomous maritime technology.
“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,” said Gulf Coast Tactical President Jeff LeLeux. “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.”
LeLeux said Louisiana provides the workforce, industrial capability and maritime heritage necessary to support the next generation of autonomous and mission-ready maritime systems.
Building on Louisiana’s Maritime Manufacturing Strength
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,” said Michael J. Tarantino, President and CEO of the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation. “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.
Strengthening Acadiana’s Advanced Manufacturing Economy
Gulf Coast Tactical’s expansion adds momentum to Acadiana’s growing base of advanced manufacturing, maritime and defense-related industries.
“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,” said Troy Wayman, President and CEO of One Acadiana. “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.”
Wayman added that One Acadiana is committed to supporting companies that choose to grow in the region and celebrating the project alongside partners at the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation.
Louisiana Incentives Support Iberia Parish Expansion
To secure the project in Iberia Parish, the state of Louisiana offered Gulf Coast Tactical 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 Louisiana’s Industrial Tax Exemption and High Impact Jobs programs.
Job seekers can register to be notified about Gulf Coast Tactical job opportunities, hiring events and news updates. Louisiana companies are also encouraged to register at SourceLouisiana.com to enter the pipeline for contract and vendor opportunities tied to 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 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 Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for driving capital investment, job creation and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and employers of all sizes. Learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
Media Contacts
Rachel Hoffman
Director of Resource Management, Gulf Coast Tactical
r.hoffman@gulfcoasttac.com
Emma Wagner
Communications Director, Louisiana Economic Development
Emma.Wagner@la.gov
912.467.2117
Jacey Wesley
Strategic Communications Manager, Louisiana Economic Development
Jacey.Wesley@la.gov
225.342.5536
