1. HII's ROMULUS USV prototype is 30% complete and on schedule. 2. Sea trials are planned for Q4 2026, showcasing rapid development. 3. ROMULUS enhances naval capabilities for U.S. armed forces and allies. 4. Odyssey ACS integration boosts autonomy and mission flexibility. 5. Successful tests align with operational deployment of AI-enabled fleets.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The progress on ROMULUS and its expected capabilities strengthens HII’s market position, much like past innovations. Historically, successful military contracts and product advancements have positively influenced HII’s stock price.
How important is it?
The article outlines significant advancements in HII's USV technology, which positions the company favorably in a growing defense sector. Its relevance to current and future naval capabilities enhances HII's strategic importance.
Why Long Term?
The ongoing development of ROMULUS and its future deployments will impact HII's growth for years. Similar developments, such as the rollout of earlier unmanned systems, have led to sustained revenue increases.
HII Achieves Significant Progress on ROMULUS USV Technology
LOREAUVILLE, La., Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) announced a major milestone in its unmanned surface vessel (USV) program during a recent tour of Breaux Brothers Enterprises in Loreauville, Louisiana. The company revealed that construction of the ROMULUS prototype has reached 30% completion and is on track for sea trials in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Progress and Development Timeline
During the site visit, HII executives toured the shipyard alongside their build partners, Breaux Brothers and Incat Crowther. They evaluated ongoing work on hull construction and the integration of HII’s innovative Odyssey Autonomous Control System (ACS) within the vessel.
“ROMULUS is progressing at a pace that reflects the urgency of the mission and the strength of our partnerships,” stated Andy Green, president of HII’s Mission Technologies division. “Breaux Brothers and our industry team are delivering a platform that brings scale, autonomy, and a real operational advantage to the fleet. At 30% complete, the ROMULUS prototype is well on its way to becoming the benchmark for unmanned surface capability.”
Key Features of ROMULUS USVs
The ROMULUS USVs are engineered to meet both current and future requirements of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and allied forces. These vessels provide:
- High endurance for sustained open-ocean autonomy
- Enhanced lethality and cost efficiency
- Scalability for diverse missions, including:
- Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
- Counter-unmanned air systems operations
- Mine countermeasures
- Strike missions
- Launch and recovery of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
Operational Capabilities and Partnerships
ROMULUS USVs are designed to operate in synergy with HII’s REMUS UUVs, enhancing undersea capabilities while supporting a scalable dual-domain force package suitable for distributed maritime operations. The prototype represents the first in HII’s line of modular, AI-enabled ROMULUS USVs, which emphasize rapid production and sustained sea endurance.
With speeds exceeding 25 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles, ROMULUS vessels are engineered for mission adaptability across global theaters. The prototypes will utilize the Odyssey ACS, a robust autonomy suite already implemented on over 35 USV platforms and more than 750 REMUS UUVs globally.
Innovative Technological Integration
The Odyssey suite allows for sustained autonomy, multi-agent swarming capabilities, modular payload integration, and enhanced manned-unmanned teaming. Furthermore, ROMULUS platforms will incorporate advanced technologies from Shield AI, Applied Intuition, and C3 AI, ensuring superior autonomous performance and lifecycle management.
The open-access architecture of the Odyssey software enables swift integration of new sensors, payloads, and autonomy technologies, allowing continuous evolution in line with emerging naval operational concepts.
Recent Testing and Future Developments
In November, HII collaborated with Shield AI to successfully complete the first major test of their integrated autonomy solution aboard HII’s ROMULUS 20 USV, paving the way for operational deployment of the AI-enabled ROMULUS fleet. This testing phase underscores the commitment of HII’s Dark Sea Labs Advanced Technology Group to propelling innovative unmanned solutions.
About HII
HII is a leading global defense provider with a mission to deliver powerful ships and all-domain solutions essential for national security. As the largest military shipbuilder in the United States with over 135 years of history, HII’s expertise spans ships, unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, and more, backed by a workforce of 43,000.
For more information, visit HII's official website at www.hii.com.