Overview
- Atlantic Bastion links warships, submarines, patrol aircraft and uncrewed platforms via AI-powered acoustic sensing integrated into a digital targeting web.
- The Ministry of Defence reports 26 proposals and 20 live demonstrators, with private investment currently matching public money at roughly a 4:1 ratio.
- Demonstrated systems include Rattler uncrewed surface boats, the XV Excalibur extra-large underwater vehicle, Helsing’s SG-1 Fathom glider, BAE’s Herne and Anduril’s Seabed Sentry.
- The launch follows Defence Intelligence warnings and recent activity by the Russian ship Yantar near UK waters, alongside a reported 30% rise in vessel sightings over two years.
- First Sea Lord Sir Gwyn Jenkins says the Royal Navy is “stretched” as the programme aligns with expanded UK–Norway cooperation under the Lunna House framework to hunt submarines across the North Atlantic.