HII Receives Order to Build a REMUS 620 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle for International Customer

Rhea-AI Summary

HII receives an order for a REMUS 620 unmanned underwater vehicle from an international customer in the Indo-Pacific Region. The medium-class UUV will be built and delivered in 2024, offering advanced capabilities for various missions. The REMUS 620 achieved development milestones in 2023, showcasing its adaptability and versatility.

Insights

Defense Analyst

The procurement of a REMUS 620 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) by an international customer in the Indo-Pacific Region represents a strategic investment in maritime defense and surveillance capabilities. The Indo-Pacific is a region of significant geopolitical interest, with increasing maritime security challenges, including territorial disputes and the need for enhanced underwater surveillance. The REMUS 620's extended battery life and range enable prolonged missions, which are critical for continuous monitoring and data collection in vast oceanic territories.

From a defense perspective, the capabilities of the REMUS 620 align with the growing trend of utilizing unmanned systems for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. This acquisition may signal an increased investment in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) by other nations seeking to bolster their maritime security without the risks and costs associated with manned operations.

Market Research Analyst

The announcement of HII's contract for the REMUS 620 UUV highlights the company's competitive position in the unmanned systems market. HII's ability to secure international contracts demonstrates the global demand for advanced maritime technology and the company's success in addressing it. The REMUS 620's versatility and adaptability for various missions, including mine countermeasures and electronic warfare, make it a desirable asset for countries looking to modernize their naval capabilities.

Considering the previous order from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), HII's REMUS line appears to be gaining traction across both defense and scientific research sectors. This diversification of clientele could mitigate market risks and contribute positively to HII's revenue streams, potentially impacting its stock valuation positively.

Environmental and Marine Technology Expert

The adoption of the REMUS 620 by the NOAA for environmental purposes, such as high-resolution mapping and restoration of seafloor habitats, underscores the UUV's utility beyond defense applications. The environmental implications of deploying such technology are significant, offering a means to conduct detailed oceanographic research with minimal human intervention and environmental impact. The REMUS 620's operational range and battery life make it an ideal platform for extensive and remote environmental monitoring, which is crucial for initiatives like habitat restoration and climate change research.

Furthermore, the REMUS 620's capacity for hydrographic surveys is essential for updating nautical charts and improving navigation safety. As climate change affects sea levels and coastal landscapes, accurate and up-to-date hydrographic data become increasingly vital for both environmental and commercial maritime activities.

MCLEAN, Va., March 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII (NYSE: HII) has received an order for a REMUS 620 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) from an international customer in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The customized, medium-class REMUS 620 UUV will be built and delivered in 2024 by HII’s Mission Technologies division and will be used for monitoring and data collection missions.

Unveiled in 2022, the REMUS 620 has a battery life of up to 110 hours and a range of 275 nautical miles, providing unmatched mission capabilities for mine countermeasures, hydrographic surveys, intelligence collection, surveillance and electronic warfare.

The REMUS 620 achieved two significant development milestones in 2023 with a successful in-water test in October and first sea test in December.

“The REMUS 620 is the premier medium-class UUV designed for adaptability, versatility and long range operations,” said Duane Fotheringham, president of Mission Technologies’ Unmanned Systems business group. “Its adaptability to a wide range of missions, from oceanographic research to defense operations, showcases the innovative spirit of our team and the advanced capabilities of our technology."

A graphic accompanying this release is available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-receives-order-to-build-a-remus-620-unmanned-underwater-vehicle-for-international-customer/.

This is the second REMUS 620 order. In August 2023, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the order of two REMUS 620 UUVs for higher-resolution mapping of the Gulf of Mexico and NOAA’s effort to restore the seafloor habitats damaged by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The agency has previously used other REMUS models for habitat characterization, marine archeology and other ocean mapping and exploration activities.

The REMUS line of UUVs has been successful around the world supporting scientific research and operations and is currently in use in more than 30 countries.

For more information about HII’s Unmanned Systems, visit: https://hii.com/what-we-do/capabilities/unmanned-systems/.

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 Twitter: 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/1328f2dd-1600-4156-b703-ae5c8509a1f8

FAQ

What type of unmanned underwater vehicle did HII receive an order for?

HII received an order for a REMUS 620 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).

When will the REMUS 620 UUV be built and delivered?

The REMUS 620 UUV will be built and delivered in 2024 by HII's Mission Technologies division.

What are some mission capabilities of the REMUS 620 UUV?

The REMUS 620 UUV has mission capabilities for mine countermeasures, hydrographic surveys, intelligence collection, surveillance, and electronic warfare.

How many REMUS 620 UUVs did the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration order?

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ordered two REMUS 620 UUVs for higher-resolution mapping of the Gulf of Mexico.

Where is the REMUS line of UUVs currently in use?

The REMUS line of UUVs is currently in use in more than 30 countries around the world.