The Ministry of Defence has confirmed progress on the development of artificial intelligence-driven acoustic detection systems for the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion programme, part of the UK’s effort to secure the North Atlantic against submarine threats.
According to Defence Minister Al Carns, “Atlantic Bastion is a portfolio of programmes to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and in support of NATO against a range of underwater threats.”
He said the initiative will develop capabilities that enhance existing systems while deploying new platforms to reinforce the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine operations.
Carns confirmed that through AUKUS Pillar 2, the UK, Australia, and the United States are “working together on an algorithm to support Maritime Patrol Aircraft processing systems.” This cooperative effort is expected to shape future developments in acoustic detection systems powered by AI, integrating them into the UK’s emerging digital targeting web to enhance coordination between sensors, ships, and aircraft.
The Defence Investment Plan will include capability options under Atlantic Bastion, with particular focus on assets deployable from the Type 26 frigate force. The new anti-submarine warfare frigates will serve as a central pillar of the Bastion framework, combining advanced sonar, uncrewed vehicles, and digital processing tools.
The Type 26 is designed with a flexible mission bay and digital architecture that allows rapid integration of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled systems. This adaptability positions the platform to support autonomous underwater vehicles and deploy new sensor arrays developed under the Bastion portfolio.
Carns added that the UK’s participation in AUKUS technology programmes, combined with NATO cooperation in the North Atlantic and Baltic regions, will ensure that British forces “remain at the forefront of acoustic detection and underwater surveillance capabilities.”
It’s slightly worrying that nothing more has come of Project Cabot and the T92 since its initial announcement.
The competitors are mostly already there; BMT MODUS and ACUA Maelstrom for T92 and MSubs’ Moray is the shoo-in for T93.
You seem surprised ?
Given how much the MoD LOVES giving contracts and that the contract for Cabot was supposed to start on the 1st of September, I am slightly surprised.
You’d think there would be a risk reduction study or something.
Several meetings are running behind schedule, they hope to rectify this by the 2030’s.