DSEI UK 2025: Babcock and HII partner to launch REMUS from WHLS

Babcock and HII signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a new project during DSEI UK 2025, which aims to integrate HII’s REMUS Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) with Babcock’s submarine Weapon Handling and Launch Systems (WHLS). The goal is to enable submarines to autonomously launch and recover UUVs through their torpedo tubes.

This initiative is the first of its kind for Babcock’s Mission Systems business. It builds on a strategic partnership established in 2023 and follows a successful US Navy trial that saw the first forward-deployed launch and recovery of an HII REMUS UUV via a torpedo tube. The integration of UUVs into submarine operations is seen as a way to enhance stealth and reduce risk to human personnel.

“Partnering with HII, we’re combining over a century of expertise in surface and sub-surface systems to further explore marine technologies and strengthen defence capabilities,” said Sir Nick Hine, Babcock’s Chief Executive Marine.

Babcock has designed and manufactured submarine weapon handling and launch systems for more than 50 years, according to the September 11 press release. Its WHLS are currently in service with the navies of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Spain, and South Korea. HII, meanwhile, has sold over 700 REMUS UUVs to more than 30 countries, including 14 NATO members, the press release states. REMUS is fitted with sonars to locate mines and other obstacles, clearing routes, and to support anti-submarine warfare. 

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The collaboration positions both companies to support the growing trend of manned-unmanned teaming, which involves humans and autonomous systems working together to extend operational reach and improve efficiency in undersea warfare. By enabling submarines to deploy and recover platforms like REMUS, the MoU could improve the situational awareness of submarine crews, including their ability to detect threats at greater range. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 19, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Babcock.