The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced significant progress in its efforts to enhance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities through the development of a fleet of autonomous vessels. This initiative, known as Project CABOT, aims to establish a persistent and wide-area ASW search capability in the North Atlantic, focusing on the critical Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) gap—a key maritime chokepoint for submarine traffic.
The first phase of Project CABOT, termed ATLANTIC NET, is now entering its early procurement stage with an estimated contract value of up to £20 million over 4.5 years. This phase will adopt a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated, Naval Oversight (COCONO) model. Through this approach, industry partners will deploy lean-crewed, remotely operated, or autonomous uncrewed systems designed to detect and track submarine activity. These systems will collect acoustic data and transmit it to a secure Remote Operations Centre (ROC), where Royal Navy personnel will analyze the information using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning-enhanced tools.
Project CABOT builds on earlier initiatives such as Project CHARYBDIS and NATO’s Smart Defence programme, which explored the potential of autonomous systems in building a digital and networked ASW barrier. By shifting to remotely operated platforms, the UK aims to reduce costs, lower risk to personnel, and dramatically extend surveillance reach in vast ocean areas.
Looking ahead, Phase Two, dubbed BASTION ATLANTIC, envisions transitioning the system into direct Royal Navy control. This phase would incorporate government-owned Type 92 Sloop drone ships and Type 93 Chariot autonomous submarines. The operation will also include advanced underwater sensors and battlespace denial tools developed domestically, reinforcing the UK’s ability to control and protect key maritime zones.
This project underscores a significant pivot in the UK’s maritime defence posture, emphasizing the adoption of cutting-edge autonomous technologies to maintain strategic advantage in the Atlantic. It also reflects growing recognition of undersea threats posed by adversaries, particularly in contested waters where traditional platforms may be limited. As the programme progresses, it is expected to serve as a benchmark for modern naval warfare, where intelligence, automation, and real-time decision-making redefine how nations defend their interests at sea.
