Expanded European Hub for Unmanned Maritime Systems

HII, a leading manufacturer of autonomous underwater and surface vessels, has doubled the size of its unmanned systems facility in Portchester, United Kingdom, reinforcing its competitive edge in the global unmanned maritime market. The expansion significantly increases the company’s capacity to support operators of its REMUS family of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), particularly the U.K. Royal Navy and other European partners, while positioning the site as a pivotal European hub for regional operations and sustainment.

The enlarged facility is intended to provide a broad range of operational, technical, and logistics support. In doing so, it enhances HII’s ability to deploy, maintain and integrate mission-critical systems—including electronic warfare, C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), fleet modernization technologies, and artificial intelligence capabilities—closer to European customers. This strategic proximity contrasts with competitors that rely more heavily on support from U.S.-based facilities and underscores HII’s commitment to localized sustainment and responsiveness.

Hub for Emerging Autonomous Platforms
Beyond supporting existing REMUS UUVs—platforms noted for modular design, extended endurance and reliable performance across defense, commercial and scientific missions—the Portchester facility is being prepared to support HII’s upcoming ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs). ROMULUS, powered by HII’s Odyssey Autonomous Control System and scheduled to enter service in 2026, exemplifies the company’s push into modular, AI-enabled surface autonomy with capabilities including multi-agent operations, long-range deployment and mission flexibility.

By serving as a regional nexus for both REMUS and future ROMULUS deployments, the Portchester site differentiates HII’s offering by bridging underwater and surface autonomy under one operational support umbrella. This arrangement enhances interoperability and sustainment for allied forces while expanding HII’s footprint in a key strategic geography.

Economic and Strategic Impacts in the UK and Europe
The expansion is staffed by U.K.-based personnel and is expected to generate new employment opportunities, strengthen supplier engagement, and provide localized training and long-term maintenance services. It will coordinate closely with HII’s global engineering, production and mission support networks to ensure alignment across programs and efficient integration of new technologies.

The facility also supports broader allied collaboration efforts. For example, HII and Babcock International Group have pursued integration of REMUS UUVs with submarine launch systems, advancing autonomous undersea operations for allied navies.

Market Context and Strategic Positioning
The expansion aligns with a broader industry trend toward greater autonomy and AI-driven capabilities in maritime defense and research, and it positions HII to capture a larger share of the expanding unmanned systems market. By situating key operational and sustainment capabilities within Europe, HII not only reduces reliance on distant logistical support but also enhances its attractiveness as a partner for European defense stakeholders seeking integrated autonomous solutions.

www.hii.com