HII and Babcock Join Forces to Integrate Unmanned Underwater Vehicles with Submarine Weapon Handling and Launch Systems
Rhea-AI Summary
HII (NYSE: HII) and Babcock International Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate HII's REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) with Babcock's submarine Weapon Handling and Launch Systems (WHLS). The partnership aims to enable autonomous launch and recovery of UUVs through submarine torpedo tubes.
The collaboration builds on their 2023 strategic partnership and follows the U.S. Navy's successful forward-deployed UUV launch and recovery via torpedo tube using an HII REMUS. Babcock's WHLS technology is currently utilized by submarine fleets in the UK, Canada, Australia, Spain, and South Korea. HII has sold over 700 REMUS vehicles to more than 30 countries, including 14 NATO members, with a 90% service retention rate over 23 years.
Positive
- Strategic partnership combines HII's proven REMUS UUV technology with Babcock's established WHLS systems
- Expands market reach through Babcock's presence in 5 major submarine fleets
- Strong track record with over 700 REMUS vehicles sold to 30+ countries
- Impressive 90% service retention rate for REMUS units over 23 years
- Builds on successful U.S. Navy deployment demonstration
Negative
- First program of its kind for Babcock Mission Systems, indicating potential implementation risks
- Complex integration challenges between different systems and technologies
Insights
HII-Babcock partnership integrates unmanned underwater vehicles with submarine systems, strengthening position in growing autonomous naval market.
The strategic partnership between HII and Babcock represents a significant advancement in submarine capability by enabling autonomous launch and recovery of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) through existing torpedo tubes. This collaboration bridges a critical operational gap in naval warfare technology.
The integration of HII's REMUS UUVs with Babcock's Weapon Handling and Launch Systems (WHLS) creates a compelling value proposition for allied navies seeking to extend their undersea capabilities without major submarine modifications. This approach leverages Babcock's systems already deployed across five allied nations' submarine fleets while capitalizing on HII's established REMUS platform that has seen 700+ units sold to 30+ countries.
What makes this partnership particularly notable is its alignment with evolving naval doctrine emphasizing manned-unmanned teaming operations. The U.S. Navy's successful forward-deployed UUV launch and recovery via torpedo tube serves as a powerful proof-of-concept and positions this technology as battle-tested rather than theoretical.
The remarkable 90% service retention rate of REMUS units delivered over the past 23 years demonstrates exceptional platform durability and lifecycle value—metrics that defense procurement officials prioritize when making acquisition decisions. This established track record significantly de-risks adoption of this integrated capability for potential customers.
With submarine-launched UUVs, navies gain extended sensor reach, enhanced stealth capabilities, and reduced operational risk—critical advantages in increasingly contested maritime environments. This partnership effectively positions both companies at the forefront of a transformative shift in undersea warfare doctrine and technology.
LONDON, Sept. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Babcock International Group (Babcock) and HII (NYSE: HII), signed a memorandum of understanding to bring together HII’s REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and Babcock’s world-leading submarine Weapon Handling and Launch Systems (WHLS). The goal of the collaboration is to deliver autonomous launch and recovery of UUVs via submarine torpedo tubes, strengthening the undersea advantage of allied navies. This is the first program of its kind within the Babcock Mission Systems business.
As UUVs become increasingly vital to future undersea operations, HII and Babcock seek to work together to jointly pursue future opportunities within the unmanned space. This joint initiative builds on Babcock and HII’s strategic partnership started in 2023, and the U.S. Navy’s first successful forward-deployed UUV launch and recovery via torpedo tube, using an HII REMUS. Babcock’s WHLS are currently in service with the submarine fleets of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Spain and South Korea.
Chris Kastner, HII, president and chief executive officer, said: “This partnership demonstrates the promise of pairing Babcock’s handling and launch system technology with the capabilities of HII’s REMUS UUVs to strengthen the undersea advantage of our allies. I am proud of HII’s leadership in advancing autonomous maritime manned-unmanned teaming operations and excited about the opportunities this collaboration will unlock.”
Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-and-babcock-join-forces-to-integrate-unmanned-underwater-vehicles-with-submarine-weapon-handling-and-launch-systems/.
Sir Nick Hine, Babcock, chief executive marine, said: "Partnering with HII, we’re combining over a century of expertise in surface and sub-surface systems to further explore marine technologies and strengthen defense capabilities — this is just the beginning of future collaborations across marine programs."
Babcock has been responsible for the design, manufacture and support of submarine WHLS for the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and overseas customers for more than 50 years. Together with HII’s autonomous REMUS, Babcock and HII can offer customers more capability through the integration of the latest UUV technology into existing and new build platforms.
The U.S. Navy’s milestone operation underscores a broader transformation in undersea warfare: the growing demand for integrated manned-autonomous operations that extend reach, enhance stealth, and reduce operational risk. HII and Babcock’s collaboration positions both companies, and their allied navy customers, to lead this transformation.
To date, HII has sold more than 700 REMUS vehicles to over 30 countries, including 14 NATO members. Notably, more than
About HII
HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.
As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:
- HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
- HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
- HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
- HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII
About Babcock
Babcock is a FTSE 100 international defence company, operating in the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa with exports to additional markets. We deliver complex support and product solutions to enhance our customers’ defence capabilities and critical assets. We are driven by our purpose: to create a safe and secure world, together.
Contact:
Greg McCarthy
(202) 264-7126
gregory.j.mccarthy@hii-co.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62d3481b-753d-4b9b-b65e-1a6346c9b6f6
FAQ
What is the purpose of HII and Babcock's partnership for submarine systems?
How many REMUS vehicles has HII sold and to whom?
Which countries currently use Babcock's Weapon Handling and Launch Systems?
What is the service retention rate of HII's REMUS vehicles?
How does this partnership benefit naval operations?
