Bollinger Shipyards Gets Coast Guard Contract Modification for Polar Security Cutter Program 

Since acquiring the facilities in 2022, Bollinger has nearly tripled its Mississippi production workforce 

From Bollinger Shipyards, March 25, 2025 

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – Bollinger Shipyards announced today it has received a $951.6 million Fixed-Price-Incentive-Firm Target (FPIF) contract modification from the United States Coast Guard, advancing the Detail Design and Construction phase of the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) Program. This milestone underscores Bollinger’s integral role in strengthening America’s maritime presence and operational capabilities in the Arctic. 

“Securing this contract modification has truly been a herculean effort and underscores the incredible trust the U.S. Government has placed in Bollinger to build and deliver the first heavy polar icebreaker in half a century,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “We wouldn’t be in the solid position we’re in today without the leadership and the tireless efforts of the entire team at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding. Their hard work and dedication have successfully put the PSC program on a strong path forward after a rocky start under the previous, foreign-owned builder. We now look forward to receiving the green light to begin full production.” 

Bordelon also expressed gratitude for the role of national and state leadership in moving this program forward.   

“I am also grateful for the leadership of President Trump and his Administration in recognizing the urgent need for American-made icebreakers. Because of his foresight and commitment to rebuilding America’s shipbuilding capabilities, this historic project is now moving forward.”  

Bordelon also acknowledged Mississippi’s leadership for championing the PSC Program and state as a dominant force in shipbuilding.   

“I also want to thank Governor Reeves and Mississippi’s Congressional Delegation for their leadership and support, especially as we leverage ongoing state and local investments to ensure Bollinger Mississippi remains the premier example of American shipbuilding.” 

“As the Arctic grows as an arena of great power competition, the United States will require far more icebreaking capability from the U.S. Coast Guard to defend our interests in the region. Today’s award is a testament to the good work that Bollinger continues to do on the Polar Security Cutter program and the growing urgency with which their platforms are needed to boost our national defense,” said U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “The Mississippi Gulf Coast will not only benefit from even more national security-focused quality jobs and economic development, but it will also continue to be a national player and powerhouse in mission-critical innovation and military capability.” 

“Mississippi continues to prove its status as the premier destination for American shipbuilding—driving both national defense and commercial maritime strength,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). “This milestone not only reinforces the Gulf Coast’s strategic importance, but it also reflects the value of returning critical shipbuilding programs to experienced, American-owned hands. Under Bollinger Shipyards’ strong leadership and investment, a once-stalled program will move forward with renewed urgency. I fully support this effort, which brings more high-quality jobs to Mississippi and ensures the Coast Guard is able to meet the growing challenges in the Arctic and beyond.” 

Bollinger’s continued investment and growth on the Mississippi Gulf Coast reflect the skills, strength and talent of Mississippi’s workforce,” said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “This announcement reinforces Mississippi’s pivotal role in American shipbuilding and solidifies Mississippi’s reputation as a national leader in maritime innovation and excellence.” 

“Bollinger Mississippi Shipyards has a strong track record in American shipbuilding, and their role in the Polar Security Cutter program is another important step. This historic milestone strengthens national security, supports the domestic shipbuilding workforce, and enhances our Arctic presence. Ensuring the U.S. Coast Guard has the tools it needs is critical, and I look forward to seeing this project move forward,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS-04). 

As Bollinger continues to enhance its operations in Mississippi into world-class shipyards, the company remains committed to making strategic investments to modernize and expand its capabilities. Additionally, the contract modification ensures Bollinger continues to provide its workforce with industry-leading wages throughout the life of the PSC program. Since acquiring foreign-owned VT Halter in November 2022, Bollinger has made a significant economic impact in the state through targeted investments and workforce expansion. To date, Bollinger has invested $76 million across its Mississippi facilities, including Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding (BMS), Bollinger Mississippi Repair (BMR), Bollinger Gulfport Shipyard (BGS), and CHAND Gulf Coast.  

Since the acquisition in 2022, Bollinger has increased its Mississippi workforce by over 61%, with production roles at BMS alone increasing by more than 178%.  These numbers are expected to rise as the program reaches full production over the coming years. A key driver of this growth has been Bollinger’s innovative Bootcamp workforce development programs, which continue to strengthen the skilled labor pipeline.   

“Our investment in developing the next generation of skilled American workers not only strengthens our competitive edge in the shipbuilding industry but also underscores our commitment to fostering economic growth and American innovation,” added Bordelon. “We are committed to providing high-quality careers that positively impact the families and communities we support along Mississippi’s Gulf coast.” 

This contract modification primarily supports operations at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding, with additional project contributions from facilities located in Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, Georgia, Louisiana, and other regions. Completion of the first Polar Security Cutter is anticipated by May 2030. 

The Polar Security Cutter will provide the United States with enhanced operational capability in polar regions, playing a critical role in safeguarding national security, economic stability, and supporting vital maritime and commercial interests. 




USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul Departs for First Deployment 

The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), along with the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 Detachment 3 and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, departed from Naval Station Mayport March 26, beginning her maiden deployment to support U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.

From Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two, 26 March 2025

MAYPORT, Fla. — The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), along with the “Valkyries” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 Detachment 3 and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, departed from Naval Station Mayport March 26, beginning its first deployment to support U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. 
 
USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s primary mission will be to support counter-illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean. Minneapolis-Saint Paul operations will involve practical exercises and exchanges with partner nations, supporting U.S. 4th Fleet interoperability, and reinforcing the U.S. position as the regional partner of choice. 
 
Among the key accomplishments, USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul certified in Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, enabling the ship to conduct Maritime Interdiction Operations and support for the embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. 
 
This capability is vital for countering illicit drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of international waters. In addition, the ship embarked its aviation detachment, which includes the MH-60 R helicopter. This addition significantly enhances the ship’s ability to conduct reconnaissance, track contacts of interest, and engage in maritime interdiction operations. The MH-60 R will serve as the ship’s eyes in the sky, providing real-time intelligence and provide capabilities to effectively conduct our mission. 
 
“I have watched this crew tackle a challenging and condensed schedule to ensure we are prepared for our [first] deployment to the 4th Fleet. We have overcome every obstacle in our path and have demonstrated that we are a resilient team ready to execute our mission,” said Cmdr. Steven Fresse, USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s commanding officer. “This will be USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s first deployment, as well as the first for many of my crew members. However, we are eager to accomplish the mission we have been rigorously training for. I am very proud of this crew, and I am confident they will continue to exceed my expectations.” 
 
The crew also completed multiple certifications in a range of critical warfare areas, including Air Warfare, Electronic Warfare, Intelligence, Surface Warfare, Cyber Warfare, and Search and Rescue. These certifications showcase the team’s proficiency across multiple domains, proving that they are well-equipped and prepared to handle the complex and multifaceted nature of modern naval operations. This remarkable achievement demonstrates that the Minneapolis Saint Paul is not only combat-ready but also adaptable to a wide spectrum of missions. All of which resulted in the ship exiting the basic phase and entering the advanced phase of the ship’s life cycle. 
 
Deploying an LCS to the region aims to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to international cooperation, security, freedom and prosperity. The ship’s size, speed, and agility make LCS ideal for narcotics interdictions, partner engagements and port access. 
 
“It has been an honor to watch this crew adjust and adapt to every task we have had to accomplish as a team and get prepared for our first deployment”, said Master Chief Ariel Ampier, USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s command master chief. “I am excited to be a part of a team that has been diligently working through every phase to maintain the readiness and success of this ship!” 
 
LCS are a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments defeat 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. 
 
USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul will operationally be assigned to U.S. 4th Fleet. It is homeported in Mayport, Florida and assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2.  




Navy Seeks Ways to Streamline Shipbuilding 

March 25, 2025 | By David Vergun, DoD News 

The United States projects its presence around the globe through its warships, impacting geopolitical decisions daily while maintaining the American way of life, said Brett A. Seidle, acting assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition.  

Seidle testified today before the Senate Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on seapower regarding the state of conventional surface shipbuilding. 

“We have fielded the finest Navy ever assembled in the history of the world, and I believe that is still true,” he said.  

The backbone of a strong Navy is its shipbuilding enterprise, Seidle added. Those who build ships are passionate about what they do and their role in supporting national security.  

He said there’s a need to reinvigorate the nation’s industrial might, particularly in shipbuilding. Various challenges hinder more ships from being delivered on time and budget. Costs are rising faster than inflation, and schedules on multiple programs are delayed one to three years.  

“We need increased modernization, infrastructure investment, better workforce hiring and retention, and improved supply chain performance,” Seidle noted, adding that the assistance of Congress and the Navy’s industrial partners will be key to solving these challenges.  

Navy Vice Adm. James P. Downey, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command, also testified.  

Downey said Navsea is committed to appropriately evaluating cost, schedule and technical requirements to deliver the right capabilities to the warfighters.  

He said the command continually reviews its shipbuilding military specifications and is committed to collaborating with industry to simplify and streamline wherever possible. Also, the command is transitioning design plans into digitized formats, thereby reducing the burden on shipbuilders.  

Downey said Navsea continues to face mounting challenges, from shifting demographics and workforce shortages to supply chain disruptions that collectively continue to pressurize shipbuilding contracts.  

“We need strategic solutions to improve waterfront productivity, and we are evaluating contracting approaches and incentives while also centralizing that data to better access what levers are needed to improve shipbuilding performance,” the vice admiral said.  

Currently, the Navy has 92 ships under contract, with 56 vessels actively in construction. In addition to these prime shipbuilding contracts, Navsea has several shipyards that outsource work. Downey said the process results in a more distributed shipbuilding model with somewhat more complex oversight required. 

He said Navsea is committed to helping industry create productive and safe workspaces on the waterfront to attract and retain the skilled workforce needed to build the Navy the nation needs.  

“When you visit the shipyards and speak to the workers, whether it’s welders, machinists, front office staff or engineers, you understand what it means to them to build a great ship from the keel up, to start with nothing, and then to deliver a fully capable warship — that’s the product of teamwork in its purest form of execution,” he said. 




Ingalls Shipbuilding Launches Destroyer Future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129) 

From HII, March 25, 2025 
 

PASCAGOULA, Miss., March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully launched future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129) today, the third Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the shipyard. 

Shipbuilders transferred DDG 129 from land to the company’s dry dock using translation railcars to support the ship during the move. Once in the dry dock, the ship was floated and moved by tugboats to a pier at the shipyard. 

“The launch of DDG 129 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders and a collaborative achievement with our Navy partners,” Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG Program Manager Ben Barnett said. “The future USS Jeremiah Denton will now undergo final outfitting, systems activation, and testing before entering the fleet.” 

DDG 129 is named for former U.S. Sen. Jeremiah Denton Jr., a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism as a prisoner of war. Following his Navy career, he was elected to the U.S. Senate representing his home state of Alabama in 1980. 

Photos accompanying this release are available at: http://hii.com/news/hiis-ingalls-shipbuilding-launches-guided-missile-destroyer-future-uss-jeremiah-denton-ddg-129/

An Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer features the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System that is required to keep pace with the threats well into the 21st century. Ingalls Shipbuilding has five Flight IIIs currently under construction including Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133) and Thad Cochran (DDG 135). 




Silver Ships Delivers 25th Assault Amphibian Safety Boat to U.S. Marine Corps

From Silver Ships, March 24, 2025 

MOBILE, Ala. (March 24, 2025) – Silver Ships, a leading manufacturer of military aluminum workboats, has completed, tested and delivered a new Assault Amphibian Safety Boat (AASB) for the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. Silver Ships has now delivered 25 of 31 AASB on time since production has been in place. A noteworthy achievement of this project is that the first hull was built and tested less than nine months after the initial contract was awarded.   

The AASB is used for the U.S. Marine Corps amphibious training with Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and the follow-on Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) in the continental United States and overseas. The vessels can carry 28 passengers and have tailored communications, safety and rescue equipment to support offshore and nighttime operations. 

AASBs feature a 2-foot draft which allows the vessel to navigate through shallow waters quietly. The vessel’s full load weight is 16,195 pounds and it holds 250 gallons of fuel. The vessel features twin 250 HP Mercury SeaPro Outboard engines that allow it to reach its destination quickly and efficiently. The vessel is 39 feet long, with a 10-foot beam and 25-degree deadrise, allowing it to cut through harsh waters with ease.  

“The AASB project has been tremendously rewarding for Silver Ships due to the teamwork and cooperation we have fostered. We made this project a top priority for rapid production because our U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy customers had an urgent operational need for the boats to be built quickly. We worked closely with our U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy partners to deliver a reliable and very rugged boat that can stand up to continuous use in harsh marine environments,” said Shawn Lobree, Silver Ships Director of Federal Programs.  

For more than 35 years, Silver Ships has collaborated with the U.S. Military to design and build mission-specific boats. Silver Ships takes great pride in supporting the U.S. Military and are committed to fulfilling all operational requirements while ensuring the highest level of crew safety and exceptional performance.  

  




DON Authorizes Attendance at Sea-Air-Space 2025 for Military, Civilian Personnel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. — Travel for the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Symposium has been authorized for all Department of Navy military speakers, moderators, and panelists, and attendance at the event has been approved for all National Capital Region (local) Navy federal civilian employees and uniformed military personnel.

A memo released by acting Under Secretary of the Navy Terrence Emmert, dated 20 March 2025, says, “I approve the Department of the Navy’s attendance at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Symposium, 6-9 April 2025, at National Harbor, Maryland.”

Sea-Air-Space, the nation’s largest maritime national security symposium, is critical, as it “provides a platform for the professional development of Department of the Navy personnel on the latest developments in naval warfare, as well as an opportunity for Navy engagement with representatives from a broad cross-section of government, industry, academia, and the international community.” (GENADMIN released 24 MARCH 2025).

The Navy League of the United States, the host for Sea-Air-Space, is offering federal active-duty and civilian employees admission and transportation to the event, as well as one complimentary meal event. The Navy League also offers them discounted parking and meals for purchase at a discounted rate. Local bus services to and from the Gaylord National Harbor is also available for all federal civilian employees and uniformed military. Please see website, www.seaairspace.org for further details. Attendees not opting for these services are responsible for their own commuting costs to the event.

Newly confirmed 79th Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable John C. Phelan, will address Sea-Air-Space attendees on his priorities for the Department, including ways to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding, strengthen warfighting culture, and recruit America’s best and brightest. Top speakers also include acting Commandant of the United States Coast Guard Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jim Kilby, and Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric Smith.

To register for Sea-Air-Space, click here.




Saildrone Deploys New Technology to Operate in GPS-denied Environments

A Saildrone Voyager USV equipped with hardware and software to operate in a GPS-denied environment at sea during IMX 2025. US Navy Photo by Chief Petty Officer Arif Patani.

The Saildrone Voyager platform has been equipped with new hardware and software algorithms, making it capable of operating in areas of GPS jamming and spoofing. 

From Saildrone, March 25, 2025 

AQABA, Jordan — Saildrone, the world leader in maritime autonomy, has successfully demonstrated operations in the Middle East with new hardware and software capabilities that allow saildrones to operate in a GPS-denied environment. 

The US Navy established Task Force 59 in 2021 as part of the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and US Fifth Fleet to advance the operational employment of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence in fleet operations. Due to recent regional events, GPS jamming and spoofing have hindered unmanned operating systems in the area. 

Following intensive development and testing by Saildrone engineers to create a resilient positioning system, Saildrone now has the ability to autonomously operate in GPS-denied or spoofed maritime environments. Saildrone’s innovative solution leverages multiple forms of localization, ensuring seamless operation without relying exclusively on satellite systems, and allowing operations to continue in contested environments. This was notably demonstrated during IMX 2025, where Saildrone was the only unmanned platform able to navigate and provide persistent surveillance in a denied environment.  

“Satellite positioning and connectivity can no longer be relied upon in potential future conflicts,” said Richard Jenkins, Founder and CEO at Saildrone. “It is essential that our unmanned systems can continue to operate in denied environments, and Saildrone once again leads the way with demonstrated resilience in real operational missions with US Navy.” 

Saildrone USVs are actively conducting wide-area surveillance in the CENTCOM AOR, enhancing maritime domain awareness and supporting US Navy operations. US forces have been engaged in the region supporting Operation Prosperity Guardian since December 2023, safeguarding commercial shipping and countering regional threats. 

Saildrone is now in its fourth year of operations with the US Navy, with USVs on the water in the Middle East, Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific Oceans. 




Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale Interdicts Vessel With Over $6M In Illicit Narcotics 

A U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale law enforcement boat crew seized approximately 550 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $6.3 million, from a suspected smuggling venture near Port Everglades, March 22, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) 

Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale interdicts vessel with over $6 million in illicit narcotics 

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District, March 24, 2025 

MIAMI – A U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale law enforcement boat crew seized approximately 550 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $6.3 million, from a suspected drug smuggling venture near Port Everglades, Saturday.   

The law enforcement crew took custody of the 36-foot vessel, Bella Vita, and transferred the suspected smuggler to Coast Guard Investigative Service agents ashore to face federal prosecution.   

“Protecting our maritime borders from illicit drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations remains one of our highest priorities,” said Lt. Daniel Sunday, Coast Guard Sector Miami‘s deputy enforcement chief. “The Coast Guard and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners remain vigilant in our shared efforts to keep our maritime borders safe by preventing illicit narcotics from reaching our communities.”   

Law enforcement partners from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Southeast Region, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office assisted in the detection and interdiction.   




SECDEF Hegseth Tours General Atomics Manufacturing Facility

Pictured L to R: Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss), Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, GA-EMS Vice President of Manufacturing Pete Rinaldi, GA-EMS President Scott Forney 

Visit Emphasizes Directive to Expand Domestic Defense Industrial Base 

From General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems 

SAN DIEGO – 24 Mar 2025 – General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) hosted U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at its Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Tupelo, MS at the invitation of U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss), the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The visit punctuates Secretary Hegseth’s commitment to re-invigorate and expand the nation’s defense industrial base to rapidly deploy weapons technologies to support an expanding range of national security initiatives.  

During his visit, Secretary Hegseth was briefed on GA-EMS’ manufacturing capabilities and expansive portfolio, with a focus on the company’s weapons systems including hypersonics, missiles and space-based tracking payloads; all of which facilitate a comprehensive, layered defense shield for early detection and rapid response in support of Golden Dome for America.  

“It was great to host Secretary Hegseth in Mississippi as we engaged with some of our state’s best-in-class defense capabilities, including at General Atomics,” Chairman Wicker said. “The General Atomics facility in Tupelo has a nationally competitive workforce that conducts cutting-edge work in advanced military technologies. As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will always showcase Mississippi’s leading contributions for the warfighter and work to expand our state’s growing role in the defense industrial base.” 

With over 750,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities located in Tupelo, Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS noted during the tour that the company’s commitment to and investment in research and development, its highly trained workforce, and its production capacity directly aligns with the Secretary of Defense’s stated goal of advancing “made in the U.S.” manufacturing capability to ensure the delivery of highly-capable, cost-effective weapons, specifically missile defense and hypersonics, to support the warfighter and advance America’s national interests.  GA-EMS also has manufacturing facilities in Iuka, MS with strategic access to the Tennessee – Tombigbee Waterway and Gulf of America to facilitate the expansion of shipyard capacity to meet shipbuilding demand. 

General Atomics was honored to host the Secretary of Defense and remains a committed partner to helping the Department of Defense deliver the most transformational and effective weapons to the warfighter at scale to support U.S. military operations.  




HII Tops 700 REMUS Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles Sold

From HII, March24, 2025 

MCLEAN, Va., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII), America’s largest shipbuilder and all-domain technologies and solutions provider, has sold more than 700 REMUS uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) to customers globally, delivering the undersea advantage and expanding HII’s lead as the world’s largest producer. 

“HII’s investment in advanced undersea autonomy is yielding promising returns, most notably in demonstrating to our customers how this technology can be integrated to support their evolving and critical mission needs,” HII President and CEO Chris Kastner said. “From mine countermeasures to anti-submarine warfare, REMUS continues to safeguard strategic waterways and enhance maritime security for the U.S. and its allies. The platform’s longevity and adaptability reflect HII’s dedication to providing reliable, cutting-edge solutions for global partners.” 

The REMUS UUV family delivers critical advantages across modern naval operations, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare. These autonomous systems can operate independently or teamed with crewed platforms — such as Virginia-class nuclear submarines — expanding operational reach while reducing detection risk and personnel exposure. 

More than 700 REMUS UUVs have been sold in over 30 countries, including 14 NATO members. Notably, over 90% of the vehicles delivered in the past 23 years remain operational, demonstrating the platform’s durability and adaptability to evolving technologies. 

An image accompanying this release is available at: https://hii.com/news/hii-tops-700-remus-uncrewed-underwater-vehicles-sold-strengthening-americas-undersea-advantage/

HII is currently manufacturing small uncrewed undersea vehicles (SUUVs) for the U.S. Navy’s Lionfish System program. The contract, potentially growing to 200 vehicles over five years, is valued at more than $347 million. Based on the REMUS 300, the Lionfish System is a highly portable SUUV with open architecture, and modular payload options. In early 2022, REMUS 300 was the first Defense Innovation Unit competitive selection to transition to a program of record, selected as the U.S. Navy’s Lionfish next-generation SUUV. 

Proven Performance in Global Operations 

REMUS UUVs have been deployed in diverse operational environments, including mine clearance in the Persian Gulf, NATO exercises in the North Sea, and undersea surveillance in the Indo-Pacific. With advanced sonar and sensor technologies, these systems enhance situational awareness and provide naval forces with a tactical edge in contested environments. 

As undersea threats evolve, HII remains committed to delivering next-generation autonomous solutions that strengthen operational effectiveness and sustain maritime dominance. The more than 700 REMUS vehicles sold reinforces HII’s leadership in uncrewed systems and its role as a trusted partner in naval innovation. 

Uncrewed Systems Enhancing Naval Operations 

In mine countermeasures missions, REMUS is instrumental in ensuring safe passage for naval and commercial vessels. The U.S. Navy has deployed REMUS in strategic waterways, including the Persian Gulf, the Baltic and Black Seas, while NATO allies have used the platform in joint exercises across the Mediterranean, the North Sea, and above the Arctic Circle. 

Additionally, Uncrewed Systems state of the art production facility in Pocasset, Massachusetts utilizes modular and scalable manufacturing methods that will support an increased demand of multiple product lines. From the 300m SUUV to the 600m newly developed REMUS 620, both next generation modular UUVs were designed with ease of maintenance and payload swapping depending on the mission set. 

As global undersea challenges intensify, REMUS continues to be a force multiplier — enhancing endurance, improving operational effectiveness, and maintaining dominance in the underwater battlespace. These uncrewed systems represent a pivotal shift in naval warfare, ensuring a technological advantage in future conflicts.