HII’s ROMULUS USVs and REMUS UUVs: A Dual-Domain Edge in Autonomous Naval Tech

The global defense sector is undergoing a seismic shift as nations prioritize autonomous systems to secure maritime dominance. At the forefront of this transformation is Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), whose ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and REMUS unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) are redefining the boundaries of naval capability. By combining modular design, AI-driven autonomy, and strategic partnerships, HII is not merely adapting to the future of warfare—it is engineering it. For investors, this positions the company as a cornerstone in the modernization of U.S. and allied naval forces.

A Proven Track Record in Undersea Dominance

HII’s REMUS UUVs have long been a benchmark in autonomous undersea operations. Over 700 units have been delivered to more than 30 countries, with 90% remaining operational after two decades—a testament to their durability and mission readiness [1]. Recent advancements, such as the integration of Thales’ SAMDIS 600 sonar with the REMUS 620 model, have elevated its mine detection and imaging capabilities, addressing critical gaps in undersea security [2]. This collaboration underscores HII’s ability to leverage cutting-edge technology while maintaining the modularity that has made REMUS a global standard.

ROMULUS: The Surface Arm of a Dual-Domain Strategy

The ROMULUS family of USVs, unveiled in September 2025, represents HII’s leap into surface autonomy. The flagship ROMULUS 190, currently under construction, boasts a 190-foot hull capable of speeds exceeding 25 knots and a 2,500-nautical-mile range [3]. Powered by HII’s Odyssey Autonomous Control System (ACS), which has logged over 6,000 operational hours across 35 platforms, ROMULUS is engineered for high-endurance missions, including anti-submarine warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) [4]. Its open-architecture design allows seamless integration with REMUS UUVs, creating a dual-domain system that extends operational reach across surface and subsurface environments.

Strategic Partnerships and Technological Synergy

HII’s success hinges on its ability to forge alliances that amplify its technological edge. The collaboration with Thales to enhance REMUS’s sonar capabilities is emblematic of this approach, combining HII’s modular UUV design with Thales’ expertise in synthetic aperture sonar [5]. Similarly, HII’s partnership with C3.ai to integrate AI into shipbuilding operations highlights its commitment to digital transformation, a critical factor in scaling autonomous systems production [6]. These partnerships not only accelerate innovation but also align HII with global defense priorities, such as NATO’s emphasis on interoperable unmanned systems.

Fleet Integration and Market Tailwinds

The U.S. Department of Defense’s 2024 allocation of $1.2 billion for autonomous maritime systems signals a paradigm shift in naval strategy [7]. HII’s platforms are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend. The ROMULUS 190’s commercial-standard hull design enables rapid, repeatable production, addressing the Navy’s urgent need for scalable solutions [8]. Meanwhile, the REMUS UUV’s established role in mine countermeasures and anti-submarine warfare ensures its continued relevance in a threat landscape increasingly dominated by undersea challenges.

The Investment Case

HII’s strategic positioning in the autonomous defense sector is further reinforced by the U.S. Navy’s FY 2024 shipbuilding budget of $33.6 billion, which prioritizes modernization and unmanned platforms [9]. While specific Q3 2025 financial figures for ROMULUS and REMUS remain undisclosed, the company’s recent field exercises—such as the successful integration of REMUS UUVs with submarine torpedo tubes—demonstrate tangible progress in operational deployment [10]. For investors, this represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity in a market projected to expand significantly.

Conclusion

Huntington Ingalls Industries is not just a shipbuilder; it is a systems integrator shaping the future of naval warfare. With ROMULUS and REMUS, HII has created a dual-domain ecosystem that addresses the most pressing challenges in maritime security. As the Department of Defense and allied forces accelerate their adoption of autonomous systems, HII’s modular, AI-driven platforms and strategic partnerships will be indispensable. For those seeking exposure to the next frontier of defense innovation, HII is a must-own stock.

Source:
[1] HII Unveils AI-Enabled ROMULUS Family of Unmanned Surface Vessels Powered by Odyssey to Strengthen the Fleet [https://hii.com/news/hii-unveils-ai-enabled-romulus-family-of-unmanned-surface-vessels-powered-by-odyssey-to-strengthen-the-fleet/]
[2] Thales and HII Partners to Develop Advanced Autonomous Undersea Mine Countermeasure Capabilities [https://www.stocktitan.net/news/HII/thales-and-hii-partners-to-develop-advanced-autonomous-undersea-mine-2kw71rqc1dfz.html]
[3] HII Unveils ROMULUS 190 Autonomous Vessel [https://www.stocktitan.net/news/HII/hii-unveils-ai-enabled-romulus-family-of-unmanned-surface-vessels-psttl25p253u.html]
[4] HII Unveils AI-Enabled ROMULUS Family of Unmanned Surface Vessels [https://www.marketscreener.com/news/hii-unveils-ai-enabled-romulus-family-of-unmanned-surface-vessels-powered-by-odyssey-to-strengthen-t-ce7d59dfdd8dff2d]
[5] Thales and HII Partners to Develop Advanced Autonomous Undersea Mine Countermeasure Capabilities [https://www.stocktitan.net/news/HII/thales-and-hii-partners-to-develop-advanced-autonomous-undersea-mine-2kw71rqc1dfz.html]
[6] HII - Rising US Defense Budgets Will Boost Unmanned Maritime Systems Deployment [https://simplywall.st/community/narratives/us/capital-goods/nyse-hii/huntington-ingalls-industries/7d0atxln-rising-us-defense-budgets-will-boost-unmanned-maritime-systems-deployment-jlti]
[7] HII, Thales Integrate SAMDIS Sonar with REMUS 620 UUV [https://www.stocktitan.net/news/HII/thales-and-hii-partners-to-develop-advanced-autonomous-undersea-mine-2kw71rqc1dfz.html]
[8] HII Unveils AI-Enabled ROMULUS Family of Unmanned Surface Vessels Powered by Odyssey to Strengthen the Fleet [https://finviz.com/news/160751/hii-unveils-ai-enabled-romulus-family-of-unmanned-surface-vessels-powered-by-odyssey-to-strengthen-the-fleet]
[9] Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII) SWOT Analysis [https://dcfmodeling.com/products/hii-swot-analysis?srsltid=AfmBOopLZ06a_TMps6g3svKqbfVfwEwxyui532FLxxw_hpuqxS8KZa1v]
[10] United States Unmanned Ships Market to Hit 912.3M by ... [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/united-states-unmanned-ships-market-hit-9123m-2032-szcsc]