In a bold move that could redefine maritime defence strategies, four international companies have joined forces to tackle underwater threats head-on. Helsing, Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems, Ocean Infinity, and QinetiQ are pooling their expertise to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous technologies in maritime operations. This isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses; it’s about setting a new standard in naval defence, particularly in the Euro-Atlantic theatre.
The partnership aims to digitise the oceans, enhancing surveillance and information sharing to protect vessels at sea and critical undersea infrastructure (CUI). With increased submarine activity from potential adversaries and growing threats to CUI, the need for advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) has never been more pressing. The partners are clear-eyed about the challenges ahead, but they’re also brimming with confidence in their ability to meet them.
Helsing brings its AI prowess to the table, while Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems offers dual-use autonomous systems for data collection. Ocean Infinity contributes its expertise in maritime robotics and remote operations, and QinetiQ provides data architecture and integration know-how. Together, they’re a formidable force, ready to take on the complex task of building sovereign, scalable autonomous mass.
Amelia Gould, Helsing Maritime’s General Manager, doesn’t mince words when discussing the partnership’s value. “We start from the ground up with AI suitable for solving defence problems,” she says. This includes assurance, explainability, and data provenance – all crucial elements in a defence context. But it’s not just about the AI; it’s about how the partners leverage it. “This is where the partners come in,” Gould explains. “It’s about how you integrate AI into existing maritime ecosystems.”
The partners have already hit the ground running, working together on real-world applications. “Because we had that common purpose and that common idea of what we’d be able to achieve, we started by working together doing real things,” Gould says. This collaborative approach is expected to accelerate capability deployment, with the partners aiming to deliver operational capability within a year.
The partnership is mission-led, focused on diversity of capabilities and thought. “Things will come up that none of us have thought of, and it will be about how we work together to solve the problems our navies need us to do,” Gould says. This isn’t just about developing new platforms; it’s about the ‘smart’ use of software and technology to multiply existing platforms’ sensing coverage.
Gould highlights two key points in their approach. First, simplifying hardware to make it quicker to build and putting complexity into software for quick iteration. Second, adding ‘smarts’ to platforms to enable autonomous mission execution. “That’s the ‘smart’ bit for the mass,” Gould says. This approach offers the freedom of choice and action in deployment, complementing crewed platforms.
The partners are set to make further announcements in the coming weeks, with the intent to deploy capability within the year. This partnership isn’t just about keeping pace with technological advancements; it’s about setting the pace. It’s about challenging norms, sparking debate, and shaping the future of maritime defence. So, buckle up, maritime industry. The future is autonomous, and it’s coming fast.
