Huntington Ingalls Industries announced June 8 that Bayou Metal Supply & Manufacturing, an HII supplier, launched a new production line to support production of HII’s unmanned “Romulus” unmanned surface vessel (USV). According to a release from HII, the new Bayou Metal production line in Slidell Louisiana will provide precision cutting, bending, welding, and assembly of drone components. Parts produced at the new line will be shipped to Breaux Brothers Enterprises for final assembly, the release said.

Bayou Metal also supplies HII’s aluminum and fabrication needs, the defense shipbuilder said. In a statement, HII executive VP Andy Green called the company’s partnership with Bayou Metal “essential” for scaling production of weapons systems.

“Their ability to combine material supply with advanced fabrication strengthens our production model, reduces risk, and accelerates delivery[sic] the Romulus USV to the fleet,” Green said.

William Stout, CEO of Bayou Metal, said in a joint statement the company is “proud” of its partnerships with HII and Breaux Bros.

HII currently plans to produce five of its Romulus 151 autonomous naval vessels, one of which is currently under construction. According to the company, the drone vessels are designed to support surveillance and reconnaissance missions, countermeasures against mines, counter-drone operations, and the launch and recovery of smaller submarine and aerial drones.