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HII Doubles Portchester Unmanned Hub, Validates Shipboard Launch as It Prepares ROMULUS for 2026

The expansion localizes support for European REMUS operators to reduce reliance on U.S. facilities.

Overview

  • HII added about 6,500 square feet at Portchester, doubling the site to serve as its principal European hub, with phased full use targeted by Q3 2026.
  • The facility will sustain and train REMUS users, perform REMUS 620 assembly-level work and service launch-and-recovery systems, keeping more maintenance in Europe.
  • HII recently demonstrated automated shipboard launch and recovery of a REMUS UUV using its Sea Launcher system, advancing manned–unmanned integration.
  • Portchester is being readied to support the ROMULUS USV family, with the lead ROMULUS 190 under construction and sea trials planned in 2026.
  • The site underpins HII’s MoU with Babcock on torpedo‑tube launch and recovery for submarines, and the workforce is set to grow by roughly 8–10 roles from a base of seven.