Portsmouth: UK Defence Secretary John Healey has visited HM Naval Base Portsmouth to unveil early work on the groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme, with millions of pounds invested this year in development and testing of innovative anti-submarine sensor technology. Atlantic Bastion will create an advanced hybrid naval force to defend the UK and NATO allies against evolving threats. It will enable the UK to find, track and, if required, act against adversaries with unprecedented effectiveness across vast areas of ocean.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Healey emphasized the significance of adapting to new underwater threats targeting crucial infrastructure. He stated, "People should be in no doubt of the new threats facing the UK and our allies under the sea, where adversaries are targeting infrastructure that is so critical to our way of life." Healey highlighted the necessity for rapid innovation in defense strategies to maintain a strategic advantage as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.
He further elaborated on the Atlantic Bastion programme as a pioneering initiative for the Royal Navy, combining cutting-edge autonomous and AI technologies with state-of-the-art warships and aircraft. This initiative aims to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force, capable of detecting, deterring, and defeating potential threats.