UK unveils new undersea warfare technology to counter threat from Russia

Maritime December 11, 2025

The UK Ministry of Defence has formally unveiled the Atlantic Bastion programme, a major initiative designed to transform the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and enhance security in the North Atlantic.

The programme will create an advanced hybrid naval force, integrating autonomous surface and underwater vessels with artificial intelligence, traditional warships, and patrol aircraft. The primary objective is to protect critical undersea infrastructure, such as cables and pipelines, from a resurgence in Russian underwater activity. The announcement, made by Defence Secretary John Healey during a visit to HM Naval Base Portsmouth, confirmed that millions of pounds have been invested this year in the development and testing of innovative sensor technology.

This initiative is a direct implementation of the vision set out in the Strategic Defence Review. It aims to establish a networked system across the air, surface, and underwater domains, enabling the UK to track and counter adversaries with greater effectiveness over vast areas. The programme is supported by significant industry engagement, with a combined MOD and industry seedcorn investment of £14 million already committed in the current year. To date, public investment has been matched by private funding at a four-to-one ratio. The MOD has received 26 proposals from UK and European firms to develop anti-submarine sensor technology, and 20 companies, ranging from major prime contractors to specialised technology SMEs, are already showcasing relevant technology demonstrators.

The next phase of the programme will see successful companies advance their concepts towards frontline deployment. The first of these new capabilities are scheduled to be deployed in the water during the next year, with further investment planned to accelerate and expand the programme. This rapid development pathway highlights the defence industry’s capacity to support the government’s strategic objectives at pace. Leading industry partners have already showcased relevant technologies. BAE Systems has developed its Herne autonomous extra-large submarine, Anduril UK is creating its Seabed Sentry system, and Helsing has been trialling its AI-powered SG-1 Fathom and Lura platforms. The Atlantic Bastion programme represents a significant opportunity for the UK supply chain, positioning the nation as a leader in autonomous naval systems within a global market estimated to be worth £350 billion and supporting the creation of skilled jobs in the UK defence sector.

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