HII Achieves Significant Milestone with Successful REMUS Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Deployment
POCASSET, Mass., Jan. 13, 2026 — HII (NYSE: HII), a leader in autonomous underwater vehicle manufacturing, has announced a major advancement in maritime operations. The company successfully demonstrated the shipboard deployment and recovery of a REMUS autonomous underwater vehicle (UUV) utilizing its innovative Sea Launcher automated launch and recovery system. This achievement underscores HII's commitment to advancing manned-unmanned teaming for maritime missions and highlights its expertise in integrating advanced automation and autonomy technologies into ship-ready systems.
Key Details of the Sea Launcher Demonstration
During recent testing, HII validated crucial performance aspects of the Sea Launcher system, specifically designed to facilitate a fully autonomous launch and recovery sequence. The test utilized a representative vehicle configured for real-world mission conditions. This approach effectively mirrored recovery procedures that have been consistently proven in deployments by the U.S. Navy and allied forces.
- Reduced Risks: Automated launch and recovery significantly lowers the risk to sailors.
- Increased Flexibility: This system expands mission range and adaptability.
- Shortened Timelines: Operations are completed more efficiently, crucial in high-stress environments.
These advantages are particularly vital in contested environments or high-sea states, enhancing safety and operational availability by minimizing hands-on deck operations.
Expert Insights on REMUS Technology
Duane Fotheringham, president of HII’s Mission Technologies’ Unmanned Systems business group, stated, “This is proven technology applied in a highly relevant shipboard configuration. REMUS has successfully performed autonomous line capture and recovery for years. What this demonstration shows is how seamlessly that capability integrates with automated launch and recovery systems onboard manned or unmanned vessels to support modern maritime operations.”
Global Impact of REMUS Technology
REMUS is recognized as one of the most widely deployed families of autonomous underwater vehicles globally, trusted by over 30 navies for diverse missions such as mine countermeasures, undersea surveys, intelligence collection, and environmental sensing. With its modular design and open architecture, REMUS can operate independently or as part of a distributed maritime force in coordination with crewed ships, unmanned surface vessels, and other undersea platforms.
Fotheringham further emphasized, “This demonstration reinforces the value of REMUS within a distributed maritime operating model. Whether alongside manned platforms or in collaboration with other unmanned systems, REMUS offers commanders a reliable and flexible capability they already know and trust.”
Future Plans for HII and the REMUS System
Looking forward, HII is committed to further integrating the REMUS system with its new ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and a variety of manned and unmanned ships. This integration aims to meet the evolving requirements of customers across U.S. and allied navies, reinforcing HII's position as a leading provider of innovative maritime solutions.
About HII
HII is a global, all-domain defense provider dedicated to delivering the world's most powerful ships and comprehensive defense solutions. With a legacy spanning over 135 years, HII is the largest military shipbuilder in the United States, committed to advancing national security through unparalleled capabilities in unmanned systems, cyber operations, ISR, AI/ML, and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII employs approximately 44,000 individuals.
For more information, visit HII's official website.
Contact Information
For media inquiries, please contact:
Greg McCarthy
Phone: (202) 264-7126
Email: gregory.j.mccarthy@hii-co.com