The US unveiled the Romulus maritime drone, which can travel up to 2500 nautical miles.

American shipbuilder HII and defense technology firm Shield AI conducted the first large-scale test of their integrated autonomous solution aboard the HII Romulus unmanned surface vehicle (USV). The announcement was made in a joint press release at the Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exhibition 2025 in Sydney, taking place from November 4 to 6.

Marine trials drone took place at the end of October 2025 in Virginia Beach.

During the tests, the unmanned vehicle combined Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software with HII's Odyssey suite installed onboard the Romulus 20 USV. The companies noted that this achievement is an important milestone towards the rapid deployment of Romulus into operational use. fleet.

The Romulus is a modular platform for unmanned maritime vessels, and the lead vessel, the Romulus 190, is currently under construction. This vessel is capable of speeds exceeding 25 knots, a range of up to 2500 nautical miles, and the ability to carry up to four 40-foot containers (metric dimensions: 12,192 x 2,438 x 2,591 m).

Essentially, this option could be used as a maritime drone, delivering other drones to their intended deployment location. Moreover, the drones on board could be housed in the aforementioned containers. Several such platforms could enable fire control of the coastal zone.

The image shows a visualization of the Romulus unmanned marine vehicle, which has undergone autonomy tests.

Comments

[Gomunkul]

In essence, this option could be used as a maritime drone, delivering other drones to their intended location.

For such purposes, ideally there should be an underwater drone that allows other drones to be covertly delivered to the place of their use.

[Mini Mokik]

The minke whales don't have enough engineers for this kind of thing. China has bought them all.

[gridasov]

I don't think talent will flock to China. Only a combination of many factors that determine prosperity can attract this talent, and that's the United States.

[Phoenix Point]

I especially liked the line: "Several such platforms could allow for fire control of the coastal zone." Keep writing, author.))) And also on the topic. Sea and space—what do they have in common? Author—it's worth considering.