UK launches undersea AI tech to combat Russian threat

The UK has unveiled work on its Atlantic Bastion programme, which the Government says will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic.

Defence Secretary John Healey visited HM Naval Base Portsmouth to unveil early work on the groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme, with millions of pounds invested this year in development and testing of innovative anti-submarine sensor technology.

The development of Atlantic Bastion was set out for the first time on 8 December.

According to the UK Government, the project places the country at the “forefront of a technological revolution in naval warfare”, combining the latest autonomous surface and underwater vessels and cutting-edge digital infrastructure with world-class warships and patrol aircraft. 

The programme is in direct response to a resurgence in Russian submarine and underwater activity, including the activities of Russian spy ship Yantar around UK waters, recently exposed by the Defence Secretary.

UK Defence Intelligence has identified that Putin is currently modernising his fleet to target critical undersea cables and pipelines.

Atlantic Bastion will create an advanced hybrid naval force to defend the UK and NATO allies against evolving threats. It will enable the UK to find, track and, if required, act against adversaries with unprecedented effectiveness across vast areas of the ocean. 

There has been a “huge appetite” from industry, with combined MOD/industry seedcorn investment of £14 million already committed this year to testing and development.

26 firms from the UK and Europe have submitted proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology, and 20 companies from big primes to tech SMEs are already showcasing technology demonstrators, with public investment matched by private investment so far at a 4:1 ratio.

The next phase of the development and testing over the coming weeks will see successful companies take forward development work from concept to frontline, with capabilities due to be deployed in the water next year, and further investment to accelerate and expand the programme to follow next year.

This rapid development highlights the UK defence industry’s readiness to support the Government’s Hybrid Navy proposal.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: “People should be in no doubt of the new threats facing the UK and our allies under the sea, where adversaries are targeting infrastructure that is so critical to our way of life.

“This new era of threat demands a new era for defence, and we must rapidly innovate at a wartime pace to maintain the battlefield edge as we deliver on the Strategic Defence Review.

“Our pioneering Atlantic Bastion programme is a blueprint for the future of the Royal Navy.

“It combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force to detect, deter and defeat those who threaten us.”