U.S. defence shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries has expanded its unmanned maritime vehicle support facility in the United Kingdom, reinforcing transatlantic cooperation on autonomous naval systems and underlining growing demand for uncrewed capabilities among allied navies.

The move is designed to increase capacity for the maintenance, testing and deployment of autonomous surface and underwater vehicles used in surveillance, mine countermeasures and other maritime operations.

The upgraded facility, operated by HII’s Mission Technologies division, will provide enhanced technical support for both UK and allied customers, enabling faster turnaround times and closer integration with operational requirements.

Company officials said the expansion reflects rising interest from the Royal Navy and partner nations in deploying uncrewed platforms as a force multiplier, improving maritime awareness while reducing risk to personnel.

HII’s unmanned systems portfolio includes a range of autonomous surface vessels and underwater vehicles already in service or under evaluation by the U.S. Navy and allied forces.

By strengthening its UK presence, the company aims to support joint programmes, training and experimentation, while contributing to the development of common standards and interoperability across NATO navies.

British defence officials have welcomed the investment, noting that autonomous maritime technologies are a key pillar of the UK’s future naval capability.

The expanded site is expected to support trials, sustainment and potential scaling of unmanned systems as they are integrated into fleet operations.

The expansion comes amid broader efforts by the United States and the United Kingdom to deepen defence industrial cooperation, particularly in advanced technologies.

As interest in autonomous maritime systems accelerates, HII said the enhanced UK facility will play a central role in supporting allied readiness and innovation in the evolving naval domain.