A prominent Tokyo-based technology and engineering company, Hitachi, has taken a significant step in maritime defense by requesting over a dozen REMUS 300 small uncrewed undersea vehicles (SUUVs) from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). This procurement emerges from a longstanding defense relationship between the United States and Japan, although it remains unclear if the contract specifically serves the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.
Duane Fotheringham, president of the Uncrewed Systems group at HII’s Mission Technologies division, emphasized the importance of this procurement, describing it as a key milestone for the commercial REMUS 300 program. “We greatly appreciate the confidence Hitachi has placed in us. The success of our commercial REMUS 300 vehicles is a result of our work in the international markets and the high confidence our customers place in REMUS products,” he stated. He further noted that these advanced vehicles offer critical mine-hunting capabilities and versatile payload options, catering to the needs of allies and partners.
The REMUS 300, which has garnered attention for its selection by the US Navy for the Lionfish program, features a modular design that facilitates rapid payload integration. This design allows for mission-specific configurations and future upgrades, enhancing its adaptability across various operational scenarios.
With an operational depth capability of 305 meters (1,001 feet) and an endurance of up to 30 hours, the REMUS 300 is equipped with a robust 4.5-kilowatt-hour Lithium-ion battery. It achieves a top speed of 5 knots (9 kilometers or 6 miles per hour) and boasts a maximum range of 165 kilometers (102 miles). Alternative battery configurations of 1.5 kilowatt-hour and 3.0 kilowatt-hour are also available, though they do impact overall performance.
Measuring 2.03 meters (6.66 feet) in length, the REMUS 300 can be operated alongside crewed platforms such as submarines, further extending its mission range while minimizing the risk of detection. The versatility of the REMUS 300 is reflected in its broad mission envelope, which includes mine countermeasures, search and recovery operations, rapid environmental assessments, and intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance activities.
This ongoing collaboration highlights the vital role that advanced unmanned systems play in modern defense strategies, particularly as nations work together to bolster maritime security in increasingly complex global waters.
