Kongsberg Discovery has decided to start production of HUGIN, an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), in the US.
As informed, this decision reflects the commitment to supporting the growing demand for advanced subsea technology in the US market.
“By establishing domestic production capabilities, we aim to strengthen our U.S.-based supply chain and enhance our responsiveness to the evolving needs of our government and commercial customers. This demand has increased as global tension has risen,” said Martin Wien Fjell , President of Kongsberg Discovery.
The company delivered HUGIN to the US Navy and other organizations within the government, commercial and academic sectors. The vehicles can operate autonomously over a long period of time and collect environmental data, performing multiple survey operations for multiple applications.
Due to their hydrodynamic shape and performance characteristics, the AUVs can be optimized for a variety of industries from oil & gas and renewables to defence and research.
Kongsberg highlighted that rising defense-sector demand and growing recognition of unmanned underwater vehicles’ capabilities have prompted a strategic decision to expand investment in the United States.
According to Fjell, the company’s ongoing development has resulted in systems that address a range of high-priority naval requirements.
“Kongsberg Discovery plan to start the HUGIN production at our existing facility in Lynnwood, Washington. The future production facility is yet to be decided,” he noted.
Today, twelve navies are using HUGIN in real-world missions such as intelligence preparation of the operational environment, mine countermeasures, subsea and seabed warfare, and seafloor mapping operations.