Unmanned naval systems strengthen fleet integration

HII, a U.S. military shipbuilder and developer of autonomous maritime technologies, is expanding its portfolio of systems designed to integrate unmanned platforms with crewed naval vessels.

The initiative supports the U.S. Navy’s strategy for distributed and networked operations, where crewed ships, submarines and autonomous systems operate as a coordinated fleet. The operational challenge involves enabling unmanned systems to launch, recover, communicate and perform missions effectively in contested maritime environments while minimizing disruption to standard naval operations.

The company’s developments focus on improving intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), extending operational reach, increasing platform survivability and reducing risks for crews.

Solution: Integrated Technologies for Manned–Unmanned Teaming
HII developed multiple technologies to address the operational and technical barriers associated with deploying unmanned underwater and surface vehicles from existing naval platforms.

According to Eric Chewning, executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy at HII, the objective is to ensure that autonomous systems operate as part of a unified operational network alongside conventional ships and submarines.

The solutions include launch and recovery systems for submarines and surface ships, autonomous refueling technologies and mobile communication nodes designed for distributed maritime operations.

Autonomous Submarine Deployment Systems
In cooperation with the U.S. Navy and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, HII advanced autonomous torpedo-tube launch and recovery systems for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) deployed from Virginia-class submarines.

Recent demonstrations included the forward-deployed launch and recovery of the Yellow Moray UUV, derived from the REMUS 600 platform, aboard the USS Delaware (SSN 791). The company also tested recovery procedures for the REMUS 620 using a submarine torpedo-tube fixture.

In April 2026, HII secured a contract from the Defense Innovation Unit to deliver a Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTLR) system for autonomous deployment and recovery of REMUS vehicles from U.S. Navy submarines.
The system increases ISR and mine warfare capabilities while improving stealth and reducing operational workload for submarine crews.

Automated Launch and Recovery from Surface Ships
HII also developed the Sea Launcher system, which automates deployment and retrieval of REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles from surface vessels.

The solution enables naval crews to conduct launch and recovery operations while maintaining routine ship activities. In January 2026, HII demonstrated a fully autonomous operational sequence under real-world conditions, building on procedures previously validated in U.S. Navy and allied deployments.

This approach supports operational continuity and simplifies coordination between manned and unmanned assets.

Mobile Communications and Data Transfer
To support distributed naval operations, HII introduced the Mobile Surface Gateway based on the ROMULUS 7 unmanned surface vessel.

Configured as a mobile communications node, the platform combines acoustic communications, Wi-Fi, Starlink connectivity, MANET radio and GPS systems. The solution enables real-time data transfer between underwater vehicles and operational command centers while extending communications coverage during expeditionary missions.

The modular configuration allows naval forces to deploy mobile sensing and communication infrastructure without relying on fixed assets.

Launch Systems for Amphibious Platforms
HII’s Pharos system enables amphibious warships equipped with well decks to deploy and recover unmanned underwater vehicles.

The system guides vehicles into a capture cradle before transferring them to the ship using existing onboard handling systems. This allows amphibious ships to operate as forward deployment hubs for autonomous systems without requiring major vessel modifications.

Autonomous Refueling for Extended Missions
The MARLIN system addresses endurance limitations for unmanned surface vessels by enabling autonomous refueling and data exchange operations.

Using a towable capture and connection device, the system eliminates complex maneuvering during recovery operations, improving operational safety and reliability while supporting longer missions far from shore.

Results: Expanding Operational Flexibility
Through these integrated technologies, HII aims to improve interoperability between crewed and autonomous naval platforms while expanding sensing, surveillance and operational reach.

The systems reduce operational burden on crews, support distributed maritime operations and improve the Navy’s ability to deploy autonomous systems across multiple mission profiles, including ISR, mine warfare and expeditionary operations.

The developments also demonstrate how existing naval platforms can be adapted to support increasing levels of autonomy without extensive redesign, helping navies transition toward more resilient and networked fleet architectures.

Edited by an industrial journalist Sucithra Mani with AI assistance.

www.hii.com