HII-Shield AI USV Autonomy Breakthrough at Indo-Pacific Expo

In a significant advancement for naval technology, HII and Shield AI have demonstrated a groundbreaking integration of AI-driven autonomy on unmanned surface vessels. Announced at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, the companies completed a three-day test aboard HII’s ROMULUS USV, showcasing capabilities that could reshape maritime operations. This collaboration merges HII’s shipbuilding expertise with Shield AI’s advanced AI systems, aiming for operational deployment of AI-enabled fleets.

The test, conducted in late October 2025, integrated Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software with HII’s Odyssey Autonomous Control System on the ROMULUS platform. According to a press release from HII, the demonstration marked ‘a key step toward operational deployment of the AI-enabled ROMULUS fleet.’ The ROMULUS family, unveiled earlier in September 2025, includes modular USVs designed for military applications, with the flagship ROMULUS 190 capable of speeds up to 25 knots and ranges of 2,500 nautical miles.

Industry experts view this as a pivotal moment in autonomous naval systems, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where geopolitical tensions demand enhanced surveillance and response capabilities. The integration allows USVs to operate with minimal human intervention, performing tasks like reconnaissance and threat detection autonomously.

The Rise of AI in Naval Warfare

Shield AI’s Hivemind technology, known for its use in aerial drones, has now been adapted for maritime environments. As reported by GlobeNewswire, the test was completed in under six weeks, highlighting rapid development cycles in defense tech. ‘This is the first maritime deployment of Hivemind on ROMULUS 20,’ noted the announcement, emphasizing the software’s ability to enable swarm tactics and real-time decision-making.

HII, America’s largest military shipbuilder, has been investing heavily in unmanned systems. In September 2025, HII introduced the ROMULUS family, powered by its Odyssey software suite, as detailed on HII’s website. The vessels are modular, allowing customization for various missions, from anti-submarine warfare to intelligence gathering.

The Indo-Pacific region is a hotbed for such innovations, with nations like South Korea and Singapore advancing their own autonomous naval platforms. A post on X by Mario Nawfal highlighted South Korea’s Ghost Commander II, an AI-powered mothership controlling drone fleets across air, surface, and underwater domains, underscoring the competitive landscape.

Technical Details and Test Outcomes

During the three-day trial, the integrated system demonstrated autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and mission execution. Investing.com reported that the test enhanced ‘maritime operational capabilities with AI integration,’ with the ROMULUS USV operating in complex scenarios simulating real-world naval environments.

Shield AI’s contribution includes proven autonomy from its V-BAT drone, now extended to USVs. Brandon Tseng, co-founder of Shield AI, stated in a StockTitan release: ‘This milestone brings us closer to deploying intelligent, collaborative teams of unmanned systems in maritime domains.’

HII’s Odyssey ACS provides the foundational control layer, enabling seamless integration. The system’s modularity supports scalability, from small ROMULUS 20 vessels to larger 190 models, as per details from QuiverQuant.

Strategic Implications for Indo-Pacific Security

The expo timing aligns with growing concerns over regional stability, including tensions in the South China Sea. Autonomous USVs like ROMULUS could provide persistent presence without risking human lives, a point echoed in an opinion piece by Baird Maritime, which noted AI’s role in ‘transforming naval operations with unprecedented situational awareness and decision-making speed.’

Partnerships like HII-Shield AI are part of a broader trend. X posts from Defense Arabia discussed Hanwha’s collaboration with HavocAI for global autonomous maritime systems, including remote operations from Korea to Hawaii, indicating accelerating international competition.

For the U.S. Navy, this technology supports initiatives like the Replicator program, aiming to field thousands of autonomous systems. HII’s involvement positions it as a key player, building on its legacy in shipbuilding to pioneer unmanned fleets.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite successes, challenges remain, including cybersecurity risks and ethical concerns over autonomous weapons. The Baird Maritime article warned of ‘risks of escalation’ due to AI’s speed in decision-making, potentially leading to unintended conflicts.

Integration timelines are aggressive; the test was completed swiftly, but full deployment requires regulatory approvals and further validations. As per The Manila Times, this marks ‘a key step toward operational deployment,’ with potential for allied navies in the Indo-Pacific.

Looking ahead, expansions could include multi-domain operations, linking USVs with UAVs and UUVs. An X post by The Novationem Forum highlighted Singapore’s next-gen warship with AI-drone swarm capabilities, suggesting hybrid manned-unmanned fleets as the future norm.

Industry Reactions and Market Impact

Analysts predict market growth; the global unmanned maritime vehicles market is projected to expand significantly. HII’s stock reacted positively to the announcement, as tracked by StreetInsider.

Experts like Ret. Rear Admiral Doug Small, in a Latent AI X post, discussed ‘pragmatic naval autonomy’ at TechNet Indo-Pacific 2025, emphasizing edge AI for fleet operations.

This demo not only validates the technology but also strengthens HII and Shield AI’s positions in defense contracting, potentially leading to contracts with the U.S. and allied forces.

Evolving Naval Doctrines

As AI integrates deeper, naval doctrines must adapt. The collaboration exemplifies public-private partnerships driving innovation, with HII leveraging its industrial base and Shield AI its software prowess.

Future tests may involve live-fire exercises or international collaborations, building on this milestone. Posts on X, such as from Livefist about India’s unmanned vessels, show global momentum in autonomous maritime tech.

Ultimately, this advancement heralds a new era where AI autonomy enhances naval effectiveness, ensuring strategic advantages in contested waters.