New drones, sensors and artificial intelligence systems are intended to help the Royal Navy protect undersea infrastructure and detect Russian submarines under a £90 million investment plan announced by the Ministry of Defence on 10 November 2026. The announcement sets out plans to develop new naval capabilities, rather than the launch of an operational system.
Unveiled at the International Sea Power Conference in Oslo, Atlantic Net is intended to be the first stage of the wider Atlantic Bastion programme. It envisages crewed and uncrewed vessels working together to give British naval forces a fuller picture of activity in the North Atlantic.
An underwater surveillance network
According to the Ministry of Defence announcement, the planned network of autonomous systems would provide earlier warnings to Royal Navy vessels, including Astute-class submarines. Drones, sensors and AI are intended to support the detection of underwater activity and help the navy respond to potential threats.
The ministry identifies several aims for the investment: protecting undersea cables, energy networks and shipping routes, as well as supporting the security of the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Detecting Russian submarines is another stated task for Atlantic Net. These remain the programme’s intended benefits, rather than the results of a completed deployment.
Hampshire agreement and plans for new jobs
A framework agreement with Hampshire-based Ocean Infinity Solutions is intended to underpin the investment. The ministry said the agreement was due to be signed on 10 November, but its announcement did not confirm that signing had taken place. The £90 million figure represents the planned investment, not confirmation that the full sum has been spent.
The ministry expects the project to support the creation of almost 200 skilled jobs at the company and across its direct supply chain. That is a projected benefit of the investment, rather than a count of people already employed on the programme.
The wider Atlantic Bastion programme also envisages cooperation with NATO allies and the Joint Expeditionary Force, a multinational expeditionary force. The announcement does not set out an operational readiness date for Atlantic Net or a detailed delivery timetable. It therefore establishes a direction for the UK’s undersea protection capabilities, without confirming when they will become available to the fleet.
