High-tech ‘wall of steel’ to guard US oil & gas and shipping operations

February 18, 2026, by Nadja Skopljak

Two American defense companies have entered into a strategic agreement to build a high-tech “wall of steel” in the Gulf of America to support oil & gas and commercial shipping operations.

(L-R): Chris Patscheck, CEO Raven Defense, and Jack Dougherty, CEO Janus Marine & Defense. Source: Janus Marine & Defense/Raven Defense

The partnership between South Carolina-headquartered marine autonomy specialist Janus Marine & Defense and New Mexico-based U.S. Department of War RF Systems contractor Raven Defense aims to take pressure off the U.S. Navy while protecting U.S. oil & gas and shipping operations in the Caribbean and Gulf of America.

“Our solution integrates persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), autonomous patrol, rapid interception, and remote operations center (ROC) support. It is purpose-built for the unique threat environment facing offshore energy operators,” said Chris Patscheck, CEO of Raven Defense.

“By leveraging unmanned water and air drones, advanced signal detection methods, and cybersecurity, our partnership offers continuous and pervasive coverage. We are setting a new standard for how energy infrastructure and shipping is protected.”

According to Janus CEO Jack Dougherty, a former U.S. Navy Iraq War veteran, the “wall of steel” will protect offshore energy infrastructure, ports, and critical maritime corridors, reducing reliance on, and risk to, manned vessels.

“The Gulf of America is seeing a massive increase in naval and commercial shipping and offshore activity,” Dougherty said. “This demands the latest technology to protect assets and people. The Janus–Raven partnership will provide a wall of steel around operations.”

“Key is to use technology to take the pressure off the US security forces in a contested, high-risk maritime environment. We can slash costs, without compromising lethality and vigilance, by deploying Janus experience with autonomous surface and subsurface vessels combined with Raven’s satellite communications, air drones, ISR, and electronic warfare expertise.”