WASHINGTON -- On March 25, 2026, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) released a video outlining plans for a new ROMULUS unmanned surface vessel (USV) assembly facility at Breaux Brothers Enterprises in New Iberia, Louisiana. The company also introduced High-Yield Production Robotics (HYPR), an initiative focused on applying industrial robotics and digital quality systems to unmanned platform manufacturing.

HII aims to move from prototype construction to scalable, repeatable production using automation, digital design, and standardized manufacturing processes. The approach is intended to lower unit costs, shorten production timelines, and support program-level delivery of the ROMULUS family of USVs.

The upgraded Breaux Brothers facility is designed to support serial production of ROMULUS vessels ranging from approximately 20 feet to 190 feet in length. The expanded layout intends to leverage automation, advanced tooling, and standardized workflows to enable efficient, high-rate production across multiple vessel variants using a common manufacturing approach.

HII’s HYPR initiative aims to integrate robotic welding, automated material handling, and digitally enabled quality assurance into an assembly-line environment optimized for ROMULUS production. In 2026, the company plans to conduct proof-of-concept demonstrations with multiple partners, with the goal of launching a full-scale pilot program in early 2027.

Source: HII
Associated URL: https://hii.com/news/hii-unveils-expanded-romulus-usv-assembly-facility-and-launches-hypr-robotics-initiative/

MELBOURNE, Fla. - L3Harris Technologies was awarded a contract by the Defense Innovation Unit to provide a new system that launches and recovers autonomous underwater vehicles through submarine torpedo tubes. This system, called Torpedo Tube Launch and Recovery (TTLR), has already been tested by U.S. and allied navies for missions such as surveillance, mine detection, and seabed operations. It allows submarines to carry out these tasks without surfacing, reducing risk to personnel and maintaining stealth.

The TTLR system is modular and can be integrated into existing submarines, increasing their capabilities without requiring new vessels. It supports the deployment of Iver4 900 AUVs and uses advanced lithium-ion battery technology approved for both submarine and aviation use. This enables longer missions and continuous operation through hot-swapping batteries. Additionally, the system is designed to work across different submarine classes and allied platforms, supporting coordinated operations and future manned-unmanned teaming strategies.

Source: L3 Harris
Associated URL: https://www.l3harris.com/newsroom/press-release/2026/03/l3harris-provide-autonomous-underwater-capability-us-navy-submarines

REDSTONE ARSENAL, ALABAMA -- The U.S. Army launched the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Marketplace on March 24, a new digital storefront designed to get drone technology into the hands of soldiers faster than ever before. This digital one-stop shop will allow Army units, government partners and allied nations to procure vetted UAS solutions online.

Developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services and the Army Enterprise Cloud Management Agency, the digital storefront features tools that allow users to compare system functionalities, provide direct feedback and place orders,

Source: U.S. Army
Associated URL: https://www.army.mil/article/291297/us_army_launches_online_marketplace_to_revolutionize_drone_acquisition