The UK has launched “Atlantic Bastion,” a pioneering new programme to counter the growing undersea threat from Russia in the North Atlantic. Announced by Defence Secretary John Healey, the initiative aims to rapidly transform the Royal Navy into a cutting-edge “hybrid force” that integrates autonomous vessels, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensors with traditional warships and aircraft.
This urgent transformation, a key pledge of the recent Strategic Defence Review, is a direct response to heightened Russian submarine activity and the modernisation of President Putin’s fleet, which UK intelligence warns is targeting critical undersea infrastructure like cables and pipelines. The programme seeks to secure vast ocean areas by creating an AI-powered network to detect, track, and deter adversary submarines with unprecedented speed and range.
Development is already underway with significant momentum. The Ministry of Defence and industry have jointly committed an initial £14 million in seed funding this year, attracting proposals from 26 UK and European firms. Twenty companies are currently showcasing technology demonstrators, with private investment outpacing public funding at a 4:1 ratio. Capabilities developed through Atlantic Bastion are expected to be operational by next year.
Speaking alongside the announcement, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Gwyn Jenkins hailed the programme as the start of a “new era of maritime warfare,” blending human expertise with autonomous systems. He emphasised that a “revolutionary underwater network is taking shape” to enhance security for the UK and NATO allies.
Industry leaders have welcomed the strategic shift. Anduril UK, BAE Systems, and Helsing all highlighted their ready investments in British talent and technology, from autonomous submarines to AI-powered detection systems, stating they are prepared to deliver for this modernised defence vision. The government states that Atlantic Bastion will not only bolster national security but also position the UK at the forefront of the global autonomous naval sector, potentially creating thousands of skilled jobs.
