Gulf Coast Tactical Expands Iberia Parish, Louisiana, Production Operations

Area Development News Desk

06/19/2026

Maritime technology company Gulf Coast Tactical plans to expand its operations in Iberia Parish, Louisiana. The $6.1 million project is expected to create 65 jobs.

The investment at the company's existing facility will increase fabrication, assembly, systems integration, and testing capabilities for unmanned surface vehicles, patrol craft, and other maritime platforms used in defense and security operations.

“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 Jeff LeLeux, President of Gulf Coast Tactical. “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.”

To support the project the state of Louisiana offered Gulf Coast Tactical an incentives package that includes the 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.

“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,” noted Louisiana Economic Development (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.”

Gulf Coast Tactical designs and manufactures unmanned surface vessels, patrol craft, and other maritime platforms for defense and security applications. The company’s operations include fabrication, assembly, systems integration, and testing of maritime systems.

“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,” added 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.”

“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.”

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