HII Expands European Unmanned Operations with New Facility in Portchester, UK

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) on Jan. 12, 2026 announced it doubled the size of its Portchester, U.K. unmanned facility to strengthen regional support for REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles and to serve as a European hub for Mission Technologies.

The site will provide operational, technical and logistics support, expand sustainment and training for U.K. and European partners, prepare for deployment of ROMULUS unmanned surface vessels (availability in 2026), and is staffed by U.K. employees to drive jobs and supplier engagement.

Positive

• Facility size doubled in Portchester to expand European unmanned operations
• Portchester designated as a European hub for Mission Technologies support
• ROMULUS USV family scheduled for availability in 2026 with ROMULUS 190 sea trials planned
• REMUS systems in service with more than 30 countries including 14 NATO members
• 2024 sale of three REMUS 100 and five REMUS 300 to the Royal Navy

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+2.91% 2.0x vol

9 alerts

+2.91% News Effect

+3.0% Peak in 10 hr 41 min

+$457M Valuation Impact

$16.15B Market Cap

2.0x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, HII gained 2.91%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +3.0% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 9 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $457M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $16.15B at that time. Trading volume was above average at 2.0x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Countries using REMUS: more than 30 countries NATO operators: 14 NATO members Royal Navy order: 3 REMUS 100 and 5 REMUS 300 +5 more

8 metrics

Countries using REMUS more than 30 countries REMUS UUVs in global service, including NATO navies

NATO operators 14 NATO members REMUS UUVs in service with NATO navies

Royal Navy order 3 REMUS 100 and 5 REMUS 300 2024 sale to the Royal Navy for mine countermeasures

Battery life up to 110 hours REMUS 620 endurance specification

Range 275 nautical miles REMUS 620 operating range

Operating depth 6,000 meters REMUS 6000 maximum operating depth

Fleet durability more than 90% in service REMUS units delivered over 23 years still operational

ROMULUS range 2,500 nautical miles ROMULUS USV family range specification

Market Reality Check

Price: $418.58 Vol: Volume 500,608 is close t...

normal vol

$418.58 Last Close

Volume Volume 500,608 is close to the 20-day average of 531,663, suggesting typical liquidity ahead of the news. normal

Technical Price at $386.99 trades 1.04% below the 52-week high of $391.04 and above the 200-day MA at $268.91.

Peers on Argus

HII was up 2.25% while peers were mixed: KTOS +7.8%, AVAV +3.97%, DRS +3.76%, bu...

HII was up 2.25% while peers were mixed: KTOS +7.8%, AVAV +3.97%, DRS +3.76%, but ERJ -0.54% and WWD -0.11%, pointing to stock-specific strength around unmanned systems.

Common Catalyst Multiple defense names highlighted capacity and operations: HII and KTOS both announced facility expansions, while DRS issued an earnings call notice, underscoring broader defense demand and planning activity.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 07 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 07	Leadership visit	Positive	-3.0%	Top Navy leaders toured Ingalls and discussed future ship programs.
Jan 05	Leadership visit	Positive	+1.1%	Secretary of War visited NNS to review major shipbuilding programs.
Dec 29	Ship delivery	Positive	-1.1%	Delivery of Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128).
Dec 19	New contract award	Positive	+4.3%	Ingalls selected to design and build future small surface combatant.
Dec 16	Submarine milestone	Positive	-0.7%	Pressure hull completion milestone for Oklahoma (SSN 802) at NNS.

Pattern Detected

Recent operational and contract-related headlines have generally been positive, but price reactions have been mixed, with several instances of shares declining on favorable news.

Recent Company History

Over the past month, HII issued several operational updates and contract milestones. On Dec. 16, 2025, it marked a key Virginia-class submarine milestone, followed by news on Dec. 19 that Ingalls will build the Navy’s future small surface combatant. Subsequent releases covered delivery of destroyer DDG 128 and high-profile visits by senior defense leaders. Today’s expansion of European unmanned operations continues this theme of capacity growth and deepening naval partnerships.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlighted HII’s doubling of its Portchester facility and its role as a European ...

Analysis

This announcement highlighted HII’s doubling of its Portchester facility and its role as a European hub for REMUS UUVs and ROMULUS USVs. It underscores deepening ties with the U.K. Royal Navy and NATO-aligned customers, building on adoption across more than 30 countries and 14 NATO members. Investors may watch how this expanded footprint supports future orders and how unmanned systems complement HII’s recent shipbuilding milestones and contract awards.

Key Terms

unmanned underwater vehicles, uuvs, unmanned surface vessels, c5isr, +3 more

7 terms

unmanned underwater vehicles technical

"partners that operate the REMUS line of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs)"

Unmanned underwater vehicles are robotic vessels that operate below the water’s surface without a human aboard, either controlled remotely or programmed to act on their own—think of them as drones for the ocean. Investors care because they enable cheaper, safer and faster work in areas like defense, offshore energy, seabed mapping, and underwater infrastructure inspection, creating revenue and cost-saving opportunities across multiple industries.

uuvs technical

"operators, suppliers, and partners of ROMULUS USVs and REMUS UUVs receive regional"

Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are robotic submarines that operate without a human on board, performing tasks such as mapping, inspection, surveillance, and data collection beneath the surface. Think of them as underwater drones used to do jobs that are dangerous, expensive, or impractical for people, like surveying pipelines or detecting hazards. Investors watch UUVs because demand, contracts, and technological advances can drive revenue for manufacturers, service providers, and related supply chains, and they can signal shifts in defense, energy, or marine industries.

unmanned surface vessels technical

"HII’s ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs), a modular AI-enabled line"

Autonomous or remotely controlled boats that operate on the water’s surface without an onboard crew, like self-driving cars for rivers, lakes and oceans. Investors watch them because they can cut labor and fuel costs, enable new services (surveying, shipping, surveillance) and win government or commercial contracts, but their value also depends on regulatory approval, reliability and cybersecurity—factors that affect revenue and risk.

c5isr technical

"integrate electronic warfare and C5ISR systems, fleet modernization efforts"

C5ISR stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance — a bundle of technologies and services that let militaries and governments collect information, protect networks, and make fast decisions. Think of it as a city’s emergency response system that links cameras, radios, maps and analysts so responders see what’s happening and act quickly. For investors, C5ISR work often means large, long-term government contracts, steady technology spending, and exposure to defense budget shifts and export rules.

electronic warfare technical

"integrate electronic warfare and C5ISR systems, fleet modernization efforts"

Electronic warfare involves using technology to disrupt, deceive, or disable an opponent’s electronic systems, such as communication networks, radar, or navigation signals. It is like jamming or scrambling a radio or GPS to prevent others from receiving clear information. For investors, it matters because advances in electronic warfare can impact military capabilities, influence global security, and affect the stability of markets and technological investments.

mine countermeasures technical

"missions that include mine countermeasures, hydrographic survey, intelligence collection"

Mine countermeasures are the tools and activities used to find, disable, remove or avoid explosive mines in water and on the seabed, protecting ships, ports and offshore operations. Think of it like a specialized cleanup crew that detects hidden hazards and clears safe passages; for investors, demand for these services and technologies affects defense contractors, marine-service providers and companies involved in shipping and port security, especially in regions with heightened naval risk.

isr technical

"It supports missions that include ISR, counter-unmanned air systems, mine countermeasures"

ISR stands for socially responsible investing (from the French phrase Investissement Socialement Responsable) and means choosing stocks, bonds or funds based on environmental, social and governance criteria in addition to financial return. Like picking a brand that matches your values, ISR matters to investors because it helps align portfolios with personal or institutional priorities, can reduce exposure to companies with regulatory or reputational risks, and can influence demand and valuation for firms deemed more sustainable.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

PORTCHESTER, United Kingdom, Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII), the world’s leading manufacturer of autonomous surface and underwater unmanned vehicles, has doubled the size of its unmanned facility in Portchester, U.K.

The enlarged facility significantly enhances and strengthens the company’s presence in the United Kingdom and increases capacity and support for the U.K. Royal Navy and European partners that operate the REMUS line of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).

In addition to supporting regional unmanned customers, the Portchester facility will serve as a European hub for HII’s Mission Technologies division, enabling collaborative customer support for U.S. combatant commands and allied missions. The site will provide operational, technical, and logistics support to deploy, sustain, and integrate electronic warfare and C5ISR systems, fleet modernization efforts, artificial intelligence capabilities, and live, virtual, and constructive training.

The facility also prepares the region for the deployment and sustainment of HII’s ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs), a modular AI-enabled line powered by HII’s Odyssey Autonomous Control System and scheduled for availability in 2026.

HII’s unmanned platforms are known for modular design, long endurance and reliable field performance. They support defense, commercial and research missions that include mine countermeasures, hydrographic survey, intelligence collection and environmental monitoring.

An image accompanying this release is available at: http://hii.com/news/hii-expands-european-unmanned-operations-with-new-facility-in-portchester-uk/.

The expanded Portchester facility will operate as a strengthened regional hub for HII’s unmanned systems. Staffed by U.K. employees, it will drive new jobs and support supplier engagement, maintenance, training and long-term sustainment for operators across the U.K. and Europe. The site will also work in close coordination with HII’s global engineering, production, training and mission support teams to keep programs aligned and effective.

Duane Fotheringham, president of Mission Technologies’ Unmanned Systems business group, said, “This new HII Portchester facility reinforces HII’s long term presence in the United Kingdom and provides a strong foundation for future cooperation. It ensures that U.K. and European operators, suppliers, and partners of ROMULUS USVs and REMUS UUVs receive regional access to world class support, training and sustainment.”

REMUS UUV Family of Systems

REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles are the world’s leading UUV. They use an open-architecture design that supports the rapid integration of new payloads, mission-specific configurations, and future upgrades that ensure operators keep pace with evolving challenges and requirements while managing costs. REMUS systems are in service with more than 30 countries, including 14 NATO members, and are known for dependable operation, advanced sensor performance, and a strong record in mine hunting, reconnaissance and underwater survey missions.

In September, Babcock International Group and HII signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate HII’s REMUS vehicles with Babcock’s submarine Weapon Handling and Launch Systems. The goal is autonomous launch and recovery of UUVs through submarine torpedo tubes, strengthening undersea advantage for allied navies. The partnership builds on the U.S. Navy’s first successful forward-deployed torpedo-tube launch and recovery of a UUV using a REMUS. Babcock’s Weapon Handling and Launch Systems are in service with submarine fleets in the U.K., Canada, Australia, Spain and South Korea.

The Royal Navy has a long partnership with REMUS. Since 2001, the Ministry of Defence has acquired REMUS 100, REMUS 300 and REMUS 600 vehicles for mine countermeasure operations. In 2024, HII announced the sale of three REMUS 100s and five REMUS 300s to the Royal Navy. This order reflects confidence in the upgrade potential and build quality of HII systems and builds on more than two decades of cooperation. The first two REMUS 100s delivered in 2001 remain in active service today.

The REMUS Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) provides high resolution seabed imaging and precise navigation, giving naval teams a fast and reliable tool to counter underwater threats.

The REMUS line includes several variants, each designed for specific mission sets and operating depths. The numbering reflects operational depth and generation.

• REMUS 130: Compact and optimized for shallow-water operations and rapid deployment.
• REMUS 300: Offers increased range and payload capacity in a lightweight form. Serves as the baseline for the U.S. Navy’s Lionfish program.
• REMUS 620: Features modular upgrades, modernized electronics, battery life up to 110 hours, and a range of 275 nautical miles. Recently supported submarine launch and recovery operations for the U.S. Navy Submarine Force.
• REMUS 6000: Operates at depths up to 6,000 meters and is used for deep-sea recovery and complex scientific work.

All REMUS models share a common architecture, allowing operators to scale capability while maintaining system familiarity. More than 90% of REMUS units delivered over the past 23 years remain in service. This highlights the platform’s durability and lifecycle value, two critical factors in defense acquisition.

REMUS Track Record

• Defense: Used by 14 NATO navies for mine warfare, ISR, and seabed mapping.
• Search and Recovery: Played key roles in the search for Air France Flight 447, post-tsunami response in Japan, and the discovery of USS Indianapolis (CA 35).
• Science and Environment: Supports environmental monitoring, marine archaeology, and oceanographic research. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is deploying REMUS 620 systems to map seafloor habitats affected by the Deepwater Horizon spill.
  

HII ROMULUS USV Family of Systems

HII’s ROMULUS family is a modular, AI-enabled line of USVs powered by the Odyssey Autonomous Control System. The flagship, ROMULUS 190, is currently under construction with sea trials planned for 2026.

ROMULUS is built on a commercial-standard hull for rapid, repeatable production. It delivers speeds over 25 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles. Large versions of the ROMULUS are capable of carrying four 40-foot ISO containers. ROMULUS is purpose built for global mission deployment and extended autonomous operations.

Powered by the Odyssey ACS, ROMULUS delivers open-ocean autonomy, multi-agent swarming, and modular adaptability. It supports missions that include ISR, counter-unmanned air systems, mine countermeasures, strike, and launch and recovery of UUVs and UAVs.

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

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/94034f39-19a5-4191-b4ef-2aaba07f922e

FAQ

What did HII (NYSE: HII) announce on January 12, 2026 about its Portchester facility?

HII said it doubled the size of the Portchester, U.K. facility to expand operational, technical and logistics support for REMUS UUVs and to serve as a European Mission Technologies hub.

How will the expanded Portchester site affect HII's support for the Royal Navy and European partners?

The site will provide regional sustainment, training, maintenance and supplier engagement to support U.K. and European operators of REMUS UUVs and future ROMULUS USVs.

When will HII's ROMULUS unmanned surface vessels be available and what is the flagship's timeline?

HII plans ROMULUS availability in 2026 and has the ROMULUS 190 under construction with sea trials planned in 2026.

What REMUS presence did HII note that supports the expansion in Portchester?

HII noted REMUS systems are in service with more than 30 countries, including 14 NATO members, and highlighted prior sales to the Royal Navy in 2024.

Will the Portchester facility create local jobs and supplier opportunities for HII (HII)?

Yes; the Portchester site will be staffed by U.K. employees and is intended to drive new jobs and supplier engagement across the U.K. and Europe.