HII, the largest military shipbuilder in the United States, has entered a strategic partnership with enterprise AI software provider C3 AI to apply artificial intelligence tools across its shipbuilding operations. The collaboration aims to enhance productivity at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding divisions, both of which support major U.S. Navy programs.
According to HII, the agreement will expand the use of AI technologies in key operational areas, including planning, logistics, workforce allocation, and supply chain management. The goal is to streamline production timelines and improve efficiency in support of the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding and fleet readiness requirements.
The partnership follows a six-month pilot program at Ingalls Shipbuilding, during which C3 AI's software was used to adjust and optimize work schedules. HII stated that the results showed notable gains in schedule performance, prompting a decision to scale the initiative across both shipyards.
Initial implementation will focus on enhancing planning and scheduling processes at Ingalls, which produces amphibious ships and destroyers, and at Newport News, responsible for building nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines.
The companies indicated that future phases of the collaboration could include AI applications in uncrewed vehicle production and sustainment.
The agreement reflects ongoing efforts within the U.S. defense industrial base to integrate digital technologies and AI into core manufacturing processes, with the aim of improving overall program outcomes and meeting evolving military requirements.
