Already GBP14 million has been invested into technology under the plan. 

The UK has unveiled its technical blueprint for delivering its ‘Atlantic Bastion’ anti-submarine programme, which aims to counter the threat from Russia.  

The blueprint – announced on 8 December by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) – involves connecting ships, submarines, aircraft, and uncrewed vessels into a digital targeting web, supported by AI-powered acoustic detection technology. 

These systems will form part of the UK military’s wider GBP1 billion Digital Targeting Web battlefield network, a UK MoD spokesperson informed DSEI Gateway. When asked about when Atlantic Bastion will be fully operational, the spokesperson said: “the sensors are due to be deployed in the water next year”. 

Explicitly a response to Russian undersea threats and submarine activity near UK waters, the MoD said the Atlantic Bastion programme will help to create “an advanced hybrid naval force” to defend the UK and other NATO allies.  

Initially detailed in the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, Atlantic Bastion constitutes the Royal Navy’s strategy to secure the North Atlantic by utilising advanced capabilities and creating a comprehensive sensor network above and below the sea.  

“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”, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.  

Combined “seedcorn” investment from the MoD and industry has already totalled GBP14 million this year for testing and development under the programme, with 26 firms from the UK and Europe having submitted proposals to develop suitable technology.  

According to the MoD, 20 companies from a range of sizes are showcasing technology demonstrators for Atlantic Bastion, with public investment in the programme matched by private investment at a ratio of four to one.  

The next phase of the project will now begin, with testing and development set to take place over the coming weeks. Capabilities are due to be “deployed in the water” next year, the MoD said, with further investment in the programme also following next year.  

“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”, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said. 

This launch comes just days after the UK and Norway announced plans to operate their navies in tandem to counter Russian threats in the North Atlantic. At the centre of this agreement is the new joint fleet of Type-26 anti-submarine warfare frigates.  

This article has been updated with new information from the UK’s MoD.