What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships USS Pioneer (MCM 9) and USS Chief (MCM 14) conduct minehunting training in the 7th Fleet area of operations, April 2020. (Photo: USN/Information Systems Technician 2nd Class James Greeves)
Nine companies have received IDIQ contracts totalling $118.82 million from the US Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, to provide technical support for surface and subsurface mine countermeasure (MCM) systems.
The companies are: Applied Research Associates; Gryphon Technologies; HII Mission Driven Innovative Solutions; ISPA Technology; Leidos; Oasis Systems; Peraton; SAIC; and Serco.
Work includes specification and design, fabrication, installation, test and evaluation, fielding, maintenance, training, and configuration and programme management of hardware and software.
The four-year contract includes four 12-month options which, if exercised, would bring the overall potential value of this contract to an estimated $249.74 million, the DoD announced on 15 June.
If all options are exercised, the period of performance will extend until 14 June 2029.
‘Awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period,’ the DoD added.
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
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