Britain commits 90 million pounds to Atlantic Net undersea surveillance
Britain announced 90 million pounds for Atlantic Net, a Royal Navy network of drones, sensors and artificial intelligence for the North Atlantic. The programme is intended to give warships and submarines earlier warning of underwater threats while protecting cables and energy infrastructure. A framework with Ocean Infinity Solutions underpins the investment.
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New investment targets underwater warning
Britain announced 90 million pounds for a Royal Navy network of drones, underwater sensors and artificial intelligence on 10 November. Named Atlantic Net, the investment is intended to track Russian submarines and protect critical undersea cables in the North Atlantic.[1], [2]
The Ministry of Defence said a framework with British maritime technology company Ocean Infinity Solutions was due to be signed that day. The announcement was made at the International Sea Power Conference in Oslo, Norway.[1]
Sensors will feed the navy’s crewed fleet
Atlantic Net is the first phase of Atlantic Bastion, the Royal Navy’s wider programme to combine crewed and uncrewed vessels. The navy intends to connect underwater sensing, communications, remote operations and data services in one capability under its direction. Warships and Astute-class submarines, part of Britain’s crewed fleet, are meant to receive earlier warning and a clearer picture of underwater activity.[1]
Cable protection accompanies the naval mission
The ministry lists shipping routes, communications cables, energy networks and protection of Britain’s nuclear deterrent among the programme’s missions. It expects the Ocean Infinity Solutions framework and the company’s immediate supply chain to support almost 200 new skilled jobs. Defence readiness and industry minister Luke Pollard said changing underwater threats required earlier detection.[1]
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