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HII Expands European Unmanned Operations with New Facility in Portchester, UK

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PORTCHESTER, United Kingdom, Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII), the world's leading ...

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AI Summary

HII expands unmanned facility in Portchester, increasing operational capacity. Facility supports U.K. Royal Navy with REMUS underwater vehicles. HII's ROMULUS USVs scheduled for deployment in 2026. Collaboration with Babcock enhances underwater systems capabilities for allied navies. More than 90% of REMUS units remain in service, highlighting durability.

Sentiment Rationale

The expansion significantly strengthens HII's market position and operational capacity. Similar past expansions led to increased market share and stock performance.

Trading Thesis

The facility's strategic developments will drive sustained growth in unmanned systems demand over future years.

Market-Moving

  • HII expands unmanned facility in Portchester, increasing operational capacity.
  • Facility supports U.K. Royal Navy with REMUS underwater vehicles.
  • HII's ROMULUS USVs scheduled for deployment in 2026.

Key Facts

  • HII expands unmanned facility in Portchester, increasing operational capacity.
  • Facility supports U.K. Royal Navy with REMUS underwater vehicles.
  • HII's ROMULUS USVs scheduled for deployment in 2026.
  • Collaboration with Babcock enhances underwater systems capabilities for allied navies.
  • More than 90% of REMUS units remain in service, highlighting durability.

Companies Mentioned

  • BA (BA)
  • LMT (LMT)
  • NOC (NOC)
  • GD (GD)

Corporate Developments

The article discusses significant advancements that align with defense spending trends and overseas contracts, enhancing HII’s attractiveness to investors.

HII Expands European Unmanned Operations with New Facility in Portchester, UK

PORTCHESTER, United Kingdom, Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII), a leader in the manufacturing of autonomous surface and underwater unmanned vehicles, has announced the significant expansion of its unmanned facility in Portchester, U.K. This newly enlarged space will not only bolster HII's operations in the UK but also enhance support for the U.K. Royal Navy and its European partners utilizing the REMUS line of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

Strategic Importance of the Portchester Facility

The expanded facility will operate as a central hub for HII’s Mission Technologies division in Europe, facilitating collaborative support for U.S. combatant commands and allied missions. Key operational offerings include:

  • Technical and logistics support for deploying electronic warfare and C5ISR systems.
  • Support for fleet modernization initiatives.
  • Integration of artificial intelligence capabilities.
  • Live, virtual, and constructive training services.

Additionally, this facility prepares the region for the deployment and sustainment of HII’s ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs), which are expected to be operational in 2026.

Creating Jobs and Supporting Regional Operations

The expanded Portchester facility will drive job creation, engaging U.K. personnel to support maintenance, training, and long-term operational sustainability for both U.K. and European operators. The facility will collaborate closely with HII's global teams, ensuring alignment of programs and operational effectiveness.

Duane Fotheringham, president of HII’s Mission Technologies Unmanned Systems business group, emphasized the significance of the new facility, stating, "This new HII Portchester facility reinforces HII’s long term presence in the United Kingdom and provides a strong foundation for future cooperation."

Overview of HII's REMUS UUV Family

HII's REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles are internationally recognized as the leading UUVs in the field, featuring an open-architecture design that enables rapid integration of various payloads and mission-specific configurations. REMUS systems are operational in over 30 countries, including 14 NATO members, and are distinguished for:

  • Reliable operation and advanced sensor performance.
  • Proven effectiveness in mine hunting, reconnaissance, and underwater surveys.

The Royal Navy’s longstanding partnership with the REMUS system has further solidified its essential role in maritime operations.

Recent Collaborations and Achievements

In September, HII entered into a memorandum of understanding with Babcock International Group to enhance the integration of REMUS vehicles with Babcock’s submarine Weapon Handling and Launch Systems. This collaboration aims to facilitate the autonomous launch and recovery of UUVs from submarine torpedo tubes, further strengthening the undersea capabilities for allied navies.

The Royal Navy's commitment to HII is evident as they have acquired various REMUS models for mission-critical applications since 2001, reinforcing trust in the systems' potential and build quality.

Introducing HII's ROMULUS USV Family

HII’s ROMULUS family represents a modular and AI-enabled series of USVs powered by the Odyssey Autonomous Control System. The flagship model, ROMULUS 190, is currently under construction, with sea trials set for 2026. Key features include:

  • Speeds exceeding 25 knots.
  • A range of 2,500 nautical miles capable of carrying multiple containers for diverse mission deployments.
  • Multi-agent swarming capabilities for enhanced operational flexibility.

About HII

HII is a prominent all-domain defense provider, committed to delivering powerful naval and unmanned solutions to sustain national security. As the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. with over a 135-year legacy, HII provides critical capabilities that span from advanced ships to emerging technologies in unmanned systems, cyber, and artificial intelligence.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

Greg McCarthy
Phone: (202) 264-7126
Email: gregory.j.mccarthy@hii-co.com

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