Overview
- HII added about 6,500 square feet to its Portchester, UK facility, doubling the footprint and beginning phased operations with full utilization targeted by the third quarter of 2026.
- The hub will provide European sustainment, training and autonomy integration for REMUS UUVs, with intent to perform REMUS 620 assembly-level work and torpedo‑tube launch-and-recovery support where licensing permits.
- Staffing is set to grow by roughly eight to ten roles from a current team of seven as HII shifts more repair, training and support to the UK rather than routing systems back to the United States.
- HII demonstrated shipboard automated launch and recovery of a REMUS UUV using its Sea Launcher system, validating a fully autonomous sequence to advance crewed–uncrewed teaming.
- Preparation for ROMULUS USV support is underway, with the 190‑foot lead prototype about 30% complete in the U.S. and sea trials and delivery planned in 2026, alongside continued integration work with Babcock on submarine torpedo‑tube launch and recovery.