The UK is advancing a wide modernisation of its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, combining government-led innovation programmes with expanded industry partnerships to field the next generation of sonar systems across both surface ships and submarines.

In a recent parliamentary exchange, Defence Minister Luke Pollard described ongoing work under the Defence Innovation Anti-Submarine Warfare Spearhead Programme, a multi-year effort focused on accelerating advanced sensing technologies. Pollard said the programme has driven progress in sensor optimisation, machine learning and artificial intelligence, all aimed at improving the Royal Navy’s ability to detect and track submarines across the surface fleet.

Upgrades are already being applied to operational systems. Enhancements to the Sonar 2087 towed array have strengthened the Type 23 frigates’ anti-submarine performance, and those improvements are expected to migrate to the new Type 26 class as it enters service. The Ministry of Defence has presented this effort as part of a broader generational shift in British underwater warfare, combining AI-enabled sensors with digital processing networks that link ships, aircraft and uncrewed systems.

This technological push coincides with the development of the Atlantic Bastion programme, a portfolio designed to reinforce underwater surveillance across the North Atlantic. Defence Minister Al Carns said the initiative will both upgrade existing systems and introduce new platforms that feed into the UK’s developing digital targeting and information-sharing architecture. Carns also confirmed that under AUKUS Pillar 2 the UK, the United States and Australia are creating an algorithm to enhance acoustic processing for maritime patrol aircraft, a project expected to influence future AI-enabled detection systems.

The Defence Investment Plan will outline additional capability options for Atlantic Bastion, with the Type 26 force positioned as a core operational asset.

Industry is moving in parallel. Thales and BAE Systems have entered a new phase of collaboration to deliver next-generation submarine sonar systems. Their partnership draws on more than two decades of joint work and is intended to accelerate delivery through a model that combines Thales’ sensor expertise with BAE Systems’ role in submarine integration. Paul Armstrong, Managing Director for Underwater Systems at Thales UK, said the companies are bringing together complementary strengths to deliver sovereign capability for the UK in one of the most complex environments in defence.

Thales is also pursuing several other initiatives within the UK defence sector. Recent projects include a drone-based electronic warfare system developed with Autonomous Devices, an integrated short-range air defence command and control solution with L3Harris, and autonomous minehunting systems equipped with artificial intelligence for automatic target recognition.

Taken together, the government’s innovation programmes, multinational cooperation under AUKUS and expanded industry partnerships are shaping a consolidated push to strengthen the UK’s position in underwater surveillance and acoustic detection. As Type 26 frigates enter service and next-generation submarine sonar systems progress through development, officials and industry leaders share the goal of ensuring that the Royal Navy maintains a leading role in anti-submarine warfare across the North Atlantic.