Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has achieved a significant milestone by delivering the first two Lionfish small uncrewed undersea vehicles (SUUVs) to the U.S. Navy. This delivery is part of a groundbreaking program that has the potential to scale up to 200 vehicles, with a contract value exceeding $347 million.

The Lionfish SUUV is built on HII’s REMUS 300 platform, a versatile and modular underwater vehicle designed for a wide range of missions. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the Lionfish program aims to accelerate the integration of commercial technologies into U.S. Department of Defense programs.

One of the key features of the Lionfish SUUV is its cyber-compliant design, ensuring secure and reliable operation in underwater environments. HII was awarded the U.S. Navy’s Lionfish system program contract in 2023, and production is currently underway at HII’s Uncrewed Systems facility in Pocasset.

The U.S. Navy’s decision to select the REMUS 300 platform for the Lionfish program highlights the confidence in the vehicle’s proven performance and its ability to adapt to dynamic mission requirements. The Lionfish SUUV is tailored to meet critical undersea warfare needs, including mine countermeasures, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare.

The REMUS family of UUVs offers significant advantages in modern naval operations, enabling autonomous operations that can complement crewed platforms like Virginia-class nuclear submarines. By extending mission range, reducing detection risks, and minimizing personnel exposure, REMUS UUVs play a crucial role in enhancing operational capabilities.

With its open-architecture design, the REMUS platform allows for rapid integration of new payloads, facilitating mission-specific configurations and future technology enhancements. This flexibility is essential for maintaining operational relevance and cost efficiency over time, making the Lionfish SUUV a valuable asset for the U.S. Navy.

Having sold over 700 REMUS vehicles to more than 30 countries, including 14 NATO members, HII has established a strong track record in the field of undersea robotics. The longevity and reliability of REMUS units, with over 90% of units delivered in the past 23 years still in service, showcase the platform’s durability and lifecycle value, factors that are critical in defense acquisition decision-making.