Britain continues to adapt AI for sea power

The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) have been actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, according to responses from Defence Minister Maria Eagle.

AI in the Submarine Delivery Agency

The SDA is exploring AI applications to enhance efficiency and decision-making. As part of this initiative, the agency has:

• Appointed a Responsible AI Senior Owner (RAISO) to ensure AI projects comply with ethical and safety standards.
• Participated in the Ministry of Defence’s trial of Microsoft Copilot, evaluating how AI-powered tools can streamline office processes.
• Launched AI-driven discovery projects in alignment with the Defence AI Strategy, under the guidance of the Defence AI Centre.

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AI at the UK Hydrographic Office

Over the past year, the UKHO has trialled and experimented with AI and machine learning tools, applying them to maritime mapping, automation, and internal processes. Key projects include:

• The Admiralty Virtual Ports initiative, using Kaedim’s generative AI to create 3D models of maritime structures from photographs.
• Automated data cleaning of bathymetric (underwater topography) data for defence and navigation purposes.
• Machine learning models for coastline detection, using satellite imagery to automate mapping tasks.
• Trials of AI-powered software development assistants as part of a UK government-wide initiative.
• AI-generated marketing and internal communications content, following Cabinet Office guidelines.
• AI-driven media monitoring through the Signal.ai platform, which tracks digital and social media coverage.

The UKHO has also conducted initial AI trials that could evolve into larger projects. These include:

• AI-assisted text analysis for processing maritime safety alerts from around the world.
• Machine learning in mine-hunting operations, working to prepare UKHO’s data for AI-driven defence applications.
• AI-powered research and horizon scanning, using Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini to enhance strategic intelligence gathering.

Both agencies are working closely with the UK Government’s AI oversight bodies to ensure compliance with security, data protection, and ethical AI standards. The UKHO is collaborating with the Government Digital Service (GDS) on algorithmic transparency, while the MoD continues to refine its AI policies through the Defence AI Strategy and JSP936 framework.

This push for AI integration aligns with the government’s broader strategy to drive economic growth and modernise public sector operations through emerging technologies.