HII Introduces Distributed Maritime Operations Framework for U.S. Navy's 'Hedge Strategy'

America's Seapower Company Integrates Autonomous Systems and Modular Combat Power to Enable Delivery of Advanced Effects

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:51am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a networked array of autonomous maritime drones and unmanned surface vessels, conceptually representing the integration of physical and digital systems in HII's distributed maritime operations framework.HII's distributed maritime operations framework integrates autonomous systems and modular capabilities to enable the U.S. Navy and allies to rapidly adapt and deliver tailored effects across the battlespace.Arlington Today

HII, a leading U.S. shipbuilder, has unveiled a next-generation framework for joint, mission-enabled maritime operations that integrates the company's portfolio of naval warships, modular and containerized capabilities, autonomous unmanned systems, and open-architecture mission technologies. The framework aligns with the U.S. Navy's 'Hedge Strategy' and is designed to enable flexible, interoperable assets that allow commanders to generate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and combat power from anywhere in the battlespace.

Why it matters

HII's approach represents a force-multiplying system-of-systems built to plug directly into the joint force and deliver tailored distributed maritime effects at scale. The framework reflects a fundamental shift in naval warfare, moving from concentrated force to distributed, integrated operations across domains with autonomy and manned-unmanned platform teaming.

The details

The framework involves integrating core manned fleet and autonomous unmanned capabilities, data-driven command and control of autonomous platforms, containerized and modular rapidly deployable effects, and HII's unique open architecture strategy. Key components include surface combatants, ROMULUS unmanned surface vessels, the Minotaur Mission Management System, the Odyssey Autonomous Control System, and REMUS unmanned undersea vehicles. This combination enables commanders to tailor forces in accordance with the U.S. Navy's Fighting Instructions to operationalize the Hedge Strategy and warfighting concepts through scalable formations of manned-unmanned platforms.

  • HII unveiled the framework at the Navy League of the United States Sea-Air-Space Expo 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland.

The players

HII

America's largest shipbuilder, delivering the world's most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers.

U.S. Navy

The naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces, which is adopting the 'Hedge Strategy' to guide its future operations.

Eric Chewning

Executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy at HII.

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What they’re saying

“This is about connecting platforms and enabling the mission. Through open architecture, modular design, and rapid deployment models, we enable seamless integration of advanced technologies across platforms. By investing in autonomy and AI, we ensure that the U.S. Navy, Joint Force, and allied navies can adapt in real time to emerging threats using scalable, interoperable solutions.”

— Eric Chewning, Executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy at HII

What’s next

HII's framework is designed to directly support the U.S. Navy's evolving Hedge Strategy, providing commanders with more flexible, scalable options for presence and combat power. The company's approach aims to expand the reach and awareness of aircraft carrier strike groups, creating additional dilemmas for adversaries.

The takeaway

HII's distributed maritime operations framework represents a significant shift in naval warfare, leveraging autonomous systems, modular capabilities, and open architecture to enable the U.S. Navy and allied forces to rapidly adapt and deliver tailored effects across the battlespace. This approach aligns with the Navy's Hedge Strategy and reflects HII's commitment to driving innovation in defense technology.