Core Insights - HII and Incat Crowther are collaborating on the ROMULUS program, which focuses on modular, AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to enhance global defense capabilities [2][5][7] - The ROMULUS 190, the flagship of this initiative, is designed for rapid production and operational deployment, featuring advanced autonomy and modular adaptability [5][6][12] Company Collaboration - The partnership between HII and Incat Crowther aims to integrate U.S. shipbuilding strengths with Australian defense capabilities, emphasizing Australia's role in the global defense industrial base [2][5][7] - ROMULUS 190 is being constructed in close coordination with Incat Crowther, showcasing a significant milestone in Australian defense design and engineering [2][5] Technology and Capabilities - ROMULUS 190 is a 190-foot USV capable of speeds over 25 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles, designed to carry four 40-foot ISO containers for various missions [5][6] - The Odyssey™ Autonomous Control System (ACS) enables open-ocean autonomy, multi-agent swarming, and supports diverse missions including ISR, counter-unmanned air systems, and mine countermeasures [6][8][12] Strategic Importance - The ROMULUS program highlights the importance of allied industrial partnerships in enhancing deterrence and maintaining maritime dominance in contested regions [7][12] - HII's Odyssey ACS is already deployed on over 35 USV platforms and 750 REMUS unmanned underwater vehicles across 30 countries, demonstrating its global reach and operational effectiveness [8][9] Future Developments - The modular architecture of Odyssey allows for rapid reconfiguration and integration with new sensors and systems, ensuring adaptability to future naval operations [14][15] - The collaboration aims to evolve the capabilities of ROMULUS in line with emerging naval concepts, enhancing mission flexibility and operational reach [9][13]

Core Insights - HII and Shield AI have successfully completed the first major test of their integrated autonomy solution aboard HII's ROMULUS unmanned surface vessel, marking a significant step towards operational deployment of the AI-enabled ROMULUS fleet [1][2][3] Group 1: Test Details - The three-day test, conducted in late October in Virginia Beach, Virginia, integrated Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software with HII's Odyssey autonomy suite onboard a ROMULUS 20 USV [2] - This test represents the first maritime deployment of Hivemind, which enables AI-powered mission autonomy across various domains [2][8] - The successful integration was achieved in less than six weeks after the partnership announcement, showcasing rapid adaptability and strong collaboration between the two companies [3][4] Group 2: Technology and Capabilities - ROMULUS is a modular, high-performance USV line designed for fast production and operational flexibility, with the lead vessel, ROMULUS 190, currently under construction [7] - ROMULUS 190 is designed to exceed 25 knots and operate up to 2,500 nautical miles, carrying four 40-foot ISO containers and featuring both Odyssey and Hivemind for next-generation autonomous performance [7] - Hivemind enables unmanned systems to perform complex missions in GPS- and communications-denied environments, expanding its capabilities into the maritime domain through this partnership [8][10] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The integration of Hivemind and Odyssey into the ROMULUS fleet aims to enhance multi-agent autonomy and intelligent operations, allowing seamless operation alongside crewed strike groups [8][10] - Delivering autonomy across domains is crucial for maintaining a credible deterrent posture in today's complex geopolitical environment [9] - The collaboration between HII and Shield AI is expected to accelerate the development of advanced autonomous solutions, leveraging HII's maritime expertise and Shield AI's autonomy technology [10][12]