The U.S. Navy is enhancing the maintenance of its aging submarine engines through the use of collaborative robots, commonly referred to as cobots. This innovative approach aims to extend the operational life of the submarines while improving safety and efficiency. According to Steve Pykett, CEO of Fairbanks Morse Defense, two submarines—one Los Angeles-class and one Ohio-class—are currently utilizing this technology to streamline engine repairs.
Traditionally, engine maintenance involved skilled welders working in confined spaces, often facing high temperatures and hazardous conditions. Pykett explained that welders would need to maneuver through a two-foot opening to access the engine casing for repairs. “What was once a five-week process is now reduced to just five days,” he stated, highlighting the significant time savings made possible by the deployment of cobots. These robots employ machine learning to automate complex welding tasks, allowing human operators to oversee the process from a safer distance.
The integration of cobots not only improves the working conditions for welders but also enhances overall productivity. “The operator is still there outside the engine, in a safer environment. They’re monitoring, supervising, and if there’s any special cause of events, they may have to go in and investigate,” Pykett added. This shift towards automation in maintenance practices could play a crucial role in keeping shipbuilding and maintenance schedules on track for the U.S. Navy.
Defense Contractors Report Earnings and Future Investments
In related industry news, several prominent defense contractors provided updates on their financial performance and future plans during recent earnings calls. Boeing reported a loss of $565 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 related to the Air Force’s KC-46 tanker program. CEO Kelly Ortburg characterized the project as a “bad contract,” but noted potential improvements in operational performance that could enhance future delivery commitments.
Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden discussed the company’s strategic investments in unmanned systems and munitions production. Northrop Grumman aims to triple its production of tactical solid rocket motors by 2027 and 2030. When questioned about a billion-dollar deal the Pentagon made with L3Harris, Warden emphasized that Northrop is not engaged in similar discussions and highlighted the importance of munitions capacity in maintaining competitiveness.
Responding to recent critiques from the White House concerning munitions supply, RTX CEO Christopher Calio expressed the company’s commitment to increasing output. He acknowledged the frustration surrounding production timelines and reinforced the company’s alignment with the Department of Defense’s directive to expedite delivery.
Emerging Trends in Defense Manufacturing
The defense manufacturing landscape is also witnessing significant developments. Leonardo DRS has recently opened a new propulsion manufacturing plant to support Navy submarine and shipbuilding programs. This facility aims to modernize production capabilities and meet the demands of contemporary naval operations.
Additionally, Hadrian, a factory building startup driven by artificial intelligence, is set to unveil a new manufacturing site in Mesa, Arizona. The company specializes in the defense and aerospace sectors and has recently launched an additive manufacturing division. CEO Chris Power explained that many existing factories are outdated, often leading to delays and excess costs. Hadrian’s innovative approach aims to revitalize these facilities and enhance production efficiency.
As the defense industry continues to evolve, the integration of advanced technologies, such as cobots and AI-driven manufacturing, is poised to reshape maintenance and production practices. These advancements not only promise to improve operational efficiency but also enhance safety for personnel working in challenging environments.
