Huntington Ingalls Industries announced that it has doubled the size of its unmanned facility in Portchester, United Kingdom, creating a new European hub for its Mission Technologies division. The expanded site will provide operational, technical, and logistical support for the U.K. Royal Navy and other European partners that operate the REMUS line of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
The Portchester expansion is a strategic move to deepen HII’s footprint in Europe and to support the next generation of autonomous maritime platforms. The facility will enable the deployment, sustainment, and integration of electronic‑warfare and C5ISR systems, fleet‑modernization efforts, artificial‑intelligence capabilities, and live‑virtual‑constructive training. It also prepares the region for the rollout of HII’s ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs), a modular, AI‑enabled line powered by the Odyssey Autonomous Control System that is slated for availability in 2026.
By investing in a larger European base, HII signals confidence in the growing demand for unmanned systems amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and the increasing emphasis on autonomous capabilities by allied navies. The expansion strengthens HII’s competitive position against other defense contractors in the UUV and USV markets, while also reducing reliance on U.S.‑based support for European customers. The move aligns with broader industry trends toward AI‑driven maritime operations and positions HII to capture a larger share of the expanding unmanned systems market.
Duane Fotheringham, president of Mission Technologies’ Unmanned Systems group, said the investment “reflects a long‑term commitment to the UK” and that the new Portchester facility “reinforces HII’s long‑term presence in the United Kingdom and provides a strong foundation for future cooperation.” Chris Kastner, HII president and CEO, added that the ROMULUS family “embodies the future fight’s need for speed, agility, and resilience, all embedded in the Odyssey‑powered platform.”
The expansion underscores HII’s broader strategy of investing in advanced manufacturing and technology in key regions, creating jobs and engaging local suppliers while expanding its portfolio of autonomous maritime solutions. The move is expected to accelerate the company’s growth in the unmanned systems segment and to support its long‑term vision of delivering integrated, AI‑enabled capabilities to U.S. and allied forces.
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