Get ready for a game-changing partnership that's about to revolutionize global defense! The future of maritime warfare is here, and it's a collaboration you won't want to miss.
On Wednesday, November 5th, 2025, at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, Australia, two industry giants, HII and Incat Crowther, will showcase their strategic alliance. This partnership is not just about building ships; it's about shaping the future of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and transforming global defense strategies.
But here's where it gets controversial... In a world where military might is often associated with traditional, manned vessels, HII and Incat Crowther are daring to challenge the status quo. Their collaboration, centered around the ROMULUS program, is a bold step towards harnessing the power of AI and autonomy in maritime operations.
The ROMULUS family of USVs, powered by HII's advanced Odyssey™ Autonomous Control System (ACS), is a force to be reckoned with. With speeds exceeding 25 knots and an impressive range of 2,500 nautical miles, these vessels are purpose-built for global missions and sustained autonomy. And this is the part most people miss: the true strength of ROMULUS lies in its adaptability and scalability.
"ROMULUS is a force multiplier," says Andy Green, President of HII's Mission Technologies division. "By combining our shipbuilding expertise with AI-driven autonomy and the unique skills of international partners like Incat Crowther, we're creating a system that can adapt to any maritime challenge, both now and in the future."
Dr. Andrew Tuite, Technical Director of Incat Crowther, emphasizes the significance of this collaboration: "ROMULUS 190, our flagship vessel, is a testament to Australia's critical role in global defense. It proves that we're not just a regional player but a key contributor to the international defense industrial base."
ROMULUS 190, a 190-foot AI-enabled USV, is built on a commercial-standard hull, ensuring rapid production. It's designed to support a range of missions, from intelligence gathering and countering unmanned air systems to mine countermeasures and strike operations. And the best part? It can launch and recover both unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), making it a true multi-mission platform.
But how does Odyssey ACS fit into this picture? Odyssey is the brain behind the operation, enabling open-ocean autonomy, multi-agent swarming, and modular adaptability. With its intuitive interface and customizable features, Odyssey simplifies the control of unmanned swarms, enhancing lethality and survivability. And here's the kicker: Odyssey's open-access architecture allows for rapid integration of new sensors, payloads, and third-party autonomy technologies, ensuring ROMULUS stays ahead of the curve.
The ROMULUS program is a shining example of the power of allied industrial partnerships. By integrating Incat Crowther's expertise, HII strengthens the global defense ecosystem with high-performance design, engineering agility, and regional knowledge. This collaboration reinforces deterrence, ensures interoperability, and maintains maritime dominance in contested regions.
So, what does this mean for HII's leadership position? With ROMULUS, HII solidifies its global dominance in durable, autonomous unmanned systems. Developed with support from HII's Dark Sea Labs Advanced Technology Group, ROMULUS joins the proven REMUS UUV line, which has delivered over 700 systems to more than 30 nations, with an impressive 90% still operational after two decades. Together, ROMULUS and REMUS, powered by Odyssey autonomy, form a formidable dual-domain family of unmanned platforms, expanding operational reach and maximizing mission flexibility.
Key capabilities of ROMULUS include a modular, open architecture built on industry standards, multi-agent autonomy for future fight scenarios, intelligent operations with autonomous health monitoring and sensor fusion, and seamless fleet integration designed to align with future fleet Concepts of Operations (CONOPS).
HII, as the nation's largest military shipbuilder with a 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, is committed to delivering powerful all-domain solutions. Incat Crowther, a digital shipbuilder based in Sydney, brings its innovative approach and proven track record to the table, having successfully completed projects ranging from ferries to support vessels for the Australian Navy.
This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of unmanned systems in modern warfare. It's a bold step towards a future where autonomy and AI play a pivotal role in global defense. So, what do you think? Is this the future of maritime warfare, or is it a step too far? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
