Elements of Atlantic Bastion — the U.K.’s plan to use autonomous assets to help defend undersea infrastructure (CUI) — are expected to be in the water next year.
The First Sea Lord Sir Gwyn Jenkins is today (Monday) set to unveil details of Atlantic Bastion: the U.K.’s plan to defend its undersea infrastructure (CUI) with a mix of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), AI, warships and aircraft.
The Royal Navy’s hybrid force approach to underwater security is due to be officially launched at the International Sea Power Conference today (Monday), as per a U.K. Government press statement.
Last week Defence Secretary John Healey visited HM Naval Base Portsmouth to learn more about early work on anti-submarine sensors that will form one of the key pillars of the Atlantic Bastion programme.
The statement claimed: “Atlantic Bastion places the U.K. 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.”
It said £14 million had already been spent on research and development this year, with 26 firms from the U.K. and Europe submitting ASW sensor tech plans and 20 companies already showcasing technology demonstrators. Further investment to accelerate and expand the programme will follow in 2026.
Defence Secretary Healey MP commented: “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.”
Sir Gwyn is expected to say: “It is time to act. This begins with Atlantic Bastion — our bold new approach to secure the underwater battlespace against a modernising Russia…
“A revolutionary underwater network is taking shape — from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to the Norwegian Sea. More autonomous, more resilient, more lethal — and British built. We’ve already made rapid and significant progress with delivering Atlantic Bastion. A force that keeps us secure at home and strong abroad.”
General Manager Maritime at Helsing Amelia Gould remarked: “Helsing has recognised the U.K.’s leadership in Maritime Defence innovation and deepened our commitment to the U.K. through our world-leading AI and software centre in London and our newly opened Resilience Factory in Plymouth.
“Through self-funded development and UK-based trials of SG-1 Fathom and Lura, we have demonstrated the power of advanced AI and autonomy to change the game in the underwater battlespace.
“As Europe’s leading defence technology company, Helsing is ready to play a leading role in Atlantic Bastion and create a sea drone wall to protect NATO.”
Managing Director of BAE Systems Defence Solutions Scott Jamieson added: “Autonomy represents a transformative opportunity to redefine how operations are conducted above and below the waves.
“That is exactly why we developed Herne, the U.K.’s first autonomous extra large submarine for military use and its fully autonomous military control system, Nautomate. They deliver enhanced tactical flexibility, enable data-driven mission decisions and scale operations in ways that were previously unimaginable.”
Managing Director of Anduril UK Dr Rich Drake commented: “The Government has called upon industry to create the modern warfighter. We have designed Seabed Sentry in the U.K. in partnership with other British companies to deliver for our Armed Forces and protect allied waters from increasingly hostile actors.
“We are investing in British talent, in British technology and in Britain’s tomorrow. Anduril UK stands ready to defend British interests.”
- You can read more details on the U.K. Government website and more about Herne in our special deep-dive report