TL;DR:
- Defence Secretary Grant Shapps awards a £1.85 billion contract to Thales UK for AI and VR technology.
- The 15-year contract aims to enhance the readiness of British warships and submarines.
- AI will be used to proactively analyze ships’ systems data, while VR will facilitate remote repairs.
- Concerns over naval security due to Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea drive this investment.
- Thales will upgrade critical naval components, including sonar, periscopes, and electronic warfare equipment.
- The technology may enable submarines to stay submerged for longer without revealing their location.
- This investment comes amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and heightened scrutiny of military readiness.
Main AI News:
In a move aimed at bolstering the readiness of British warships and submarines, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has sealed a monumental £1.85 billion contract with the UK arm of Thales, a renowned defense and aerospace specialist. The 15-year agreement is set to revolutionize naval operations by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). Notably, this strategic partnership is poised to support 450 jobs and address the increasing concerns surrounding naval security, particularly in the face of Yemen-based Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
The contract signifies a significant milestone in the integration of AI within the defense sector. Under the agreement, cutting-edge technology will be deployed to analyze ships’ systems data, proactively identifying issues before they can escalate into major problems. Additionally, VR technology will enable technicians in Britain to remotely guide operators abroad in performing physical repairs. This development is crucial, given the prolonged periods that Royal Navy vessels have spent in port due to malfunction or collision, a situation that has attracted scrutiny in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East. An incident last month, where HMS Chiddingfold collided with HMS Bangor off the coast of Bahrain, further underscored the urgency of such enhancements.
Thales will play a pivotal role in improving various critical components of naval infrastructure. This includes optimizing sonar, masts, periscopes, and electronic warfare equipment, which are essential for detecting and targeting potential threats. Furthermore, Thales will focus on upgrading sensors and sonar equipment on the continuous at-sea deterrent, a program in operation since 1969 that ensures at least one nuclear warhead-armed submarine is perpetually on operational patrol. An intriguing aspect of this technology is its potential to extend submarine missions by minimizing the need for surface breaks for repairs or equipment updates, thereby reducing the risk of revealing their location.
During his visit to the naval base at Devonport, Plymouth, Secretary Shapps emphasized the importance of minimizing maintenance downtime, stating, “In a time of global instability, it is imperative we minimize the time our ships and submarines are out for maintenance.” Alex Cresswell, Chief Executive of Thales in the UK, echoed this sentiment, noting, “This £1.8 billion contract with Thales will help keep more Royal Navy ships at sea for longer, by harnessing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and improved dockland facilities.“
Thales’ significant presence in the UK, as part of the Paris-headquartered multinational Thales Group, is marked by numerous government contracts with the Ministry of Defence and Home Office. Their expertise spans satellite propulsion systems and contributions to the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. In 2019, Thales made headlines by acquiring Gemalto, the company responsible for manufacturing post-Brexit blue passports, in a deal valued at €4.8 billion (£4.1 billion). This latest collaboration promises to push the boundaries of innovation and further cement Thales’ reputation as a leader in defense technology.
Conclusion:
This substantial investment in AI and VR technology for the Royal Navy reflects a growing trend of utilizing advanced technologies in the defense sector. It addresses critical issues related to naval security and maintenance downtime, offering the potential to enhance military capabilities significantly. The market for defense technology is evolving, with an increasing focus on AI-driven solutions to meet modern security challenges. Thales’ expertise in this area positions them as a key player in shaping the future of naval operations.
