DIU recognizes successful completion of HII and MetalCraft ROMULUS-25 prototype programme
The Defense Innovation Unit formally recognized successful completion of the PRIME prototype programme for the MetalCraft Watcher vessel equipped with HII autonomy, positioning it for potential production transition.
Evidence notes
- MetalCraft Marine supplied the 25-foot Watcher hull while HII integrated its Odyssey autonomous-control software, creating the ROMULUS-25 configuration evaluated through the programme.
- The two prototypes were delivered in December 2025 and subsequently demonstrated autonomous mission behaviours during at-sea testing for the U.S. Marine Corps.
- Successful prototype completion allows the Department of War to consider follow-on production through an Other Transaction Agreement without reopening a conventional competition.
Company context
HII Unmanned Systems develops and sustains unmanned maritime systems for defense, research, and commercial customers. Its REMUS unmanned underwater vehicle family supports mine countermeasures, ISR, survey, subsea inspection, and other maritime autonomy missions across naval and offshore environments.