The United Kingdom plans to invest £90 million in Atlantic Net, a network of autonomous systems designed to detect Russian submarines and protect critical underwater infrastructure.
New drones, sensors and artificial intelligence systems aimed at strengthening the Royal Navy’s ability to detect Russian underwater threats in the North Atlantic and protect critical shipping routes and underwater infrastructure will be developed under a framework agreement with British company Ocean Infinity Solutions.
Underwater Surveillance Capabilities with Atlantic Net
Atlantic Net, which will operate across the North Atlantic, will consist of advanced sensors designed to detect Russian submarines and hostile activities, alongside unmanned systems capable of patrolling the deep sea to search for threats. The network, which will provide an integrated underwater surveillance service, is intended to deliver early warnings to anti-submarine warfare vessels and Astute-class submarines, enabling more detailed monitoring of underwater activities. The agreement forms part of the Atlantic Bastion programme, which aims to establish a hybrid naval force comprising manned and unmanned vessels for the Royal Navy. The approach, one of the key recommendations of the United Kingdom’s Strategic Defence Review, was announced at the International Seapower Conference in Oslo, Norway.
UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard stated that threats in the North Atlantic are changing and that the UK is adapting to these developments. He said the investment would provide the Royal Navy with new technologies to detect threats earlier and protect critical infrastructure while also supporting British companies. Pollard emphasised that the development demonstrated the UK’s continued investment in its Armed Forces and its efforts to strengthen underwater deterrence in support of its nuclear deterrent.
Includes Investment and Employment Support
The framework agreement with Hampshire-based Ocean Infinity Solutions is expected to pave the way for a £90 million investment and support approximately 200 new skilled jobs across the company and its direct supply chain. These jobs will be in addition to the existing 38,700 jobs directly supported by UK Ministry of Defence industrial spending in the southeast of the country. The agreement is also intended to strengthen the Royal Navy’s ability to protect the UK’s underwater infrastructure.
The Atlantic Bastion programme envisages the creation of a hybrid naval force designed to enable the Royal Navy to detect and track enemy submarines and protect critical underwater infrastructure, including communications cables and energy networks that provide connectivity and energy supplies between the UK and its allies. The programme will be carried out in cooperation with NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) allies to strengthen protection against interference, sabotage and hostile activities. Atlantic Net is expected to enhance the scope, continuity and resilience of underwater surveillance operations. To this end, the Royal Navy and Ocean Infinity Solutions will integrate maritime systems, underwater sensing technologies, communications infrastructure, remote operational capabilities and data services into a single system under the Royal Navy’s control.
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Source: C4Defence – Royal Navy
