Britain is set to track and pursue Russian submarines across vast ocean areas using a new advanced force to safeguard undersea cables and pipelines. The innovative Atlantic Bastion program will merge autonomous vessels and artificial intelligence (AI) with warships and aircraft to form a highly sophisticated hybrid force. Through AI-powered acoustic detection technology, ships, submarines, aircraft, and unmanned vessels will be interconnected and integrated into a digital targeting system to counter potential enemy threats.
Officials announced that this multi-million pound initiative will position the UK at the forefront of a technological revolution in naval warfare, with plans for deployment in the coming year. The project’s commencement received funding of £14 million from the Ministry of Defence and early investment from industry for testing and development this year.
This initiative follows the recent unveiling of a new agreement for British and Norwegian naval forces to jointly track Russian submarines in the North Atlantic, addressing the escalating threat from Moscow. The UK heavily relies on undersea infrastructure, which carries 99% of international telecommunications data and essential energy resources like electricity, oil, and gas.
UK defense intelligence has noted Russia’s efforts to update its fleet to target undersea cables and pipelines. Over the past two years, there has been a 30% increase in Russian vessels entering UK waters, including an incident where a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, directed lasers at RAF pilots north of Scotland.
Tensions have heightened following recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who warned of potential conflict with Europe and accused leaders of hindering peace negotiations. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the critical nature of the new threats facing the UK and its allies beneath the sea, highlighting the importance of protecting vital infrastructure. He stressed the need for rapid innovation to address these evolving threats effectively.
The Atlantic Bastion program, described as a blueprint for the future of the Royal Navy, integrates cutting-edge technologies with top-tier warships and aircraft to identify, deter, and neutralize potential threats. General Sir Gwyn is expected to endorse the launch of Atlantic Bastion at the International Sea Power Conference, emphasizing the development of a groundbreaking underwater network extending from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to the Norwegian Sea, designed to be more autonomous, resilient, lethal, and British-built.