Defense giant Babcock has unveiled its new Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response – Force (ARMOR Force) concept, a networked architecture of autonomous and remote maritime systems designed to supercharge the UK’s next-generation naval capability.
As disclosed, the company will work with military shipbuilder and a global leader in maritime unmanned autonomous platforms HII, and defense technology company Arondite, to create a Type 31 (T31) Common Command Vessel (CCV) capability enabling the RN’s latest frigates to control a networked force of large autonomous uncrewed vessels and systems.
Together, Babcock and Arondite are collaborating on the design, development, and deployment of a range of AI-enabled, interoperable, and autonomy-native maritime systems for the UK
Arondite’s cobalt operating system will serve as the autonomy and mission orchestration layer across ARMOR Force, integrating crewed and uncrewed platforms into unified fleets that can be commanded from sea or shore.
“The future of maritime power will be defined by an adaptable blend of crewed and uncrewed systems, leveraging disaggregated sensors and effectors. We have built Cobalt to tackle exactly this challenge,” Will Blyth , Co-founder and CEO, Arondite, stated.
In addition to Babcock’s T31 CCV, the overall solution includes large uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) that can be autonomous or remotely controlled and modular containerized persistent operational deployment systems (PODS) for rapid capability deployment and mission autonomy. It will also involve an autonomous mission system to be deployable by the end of 2026.
This is at the heart of the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion, Atlantic Strike and Atlantic Shield operations to provide dispersed, resilient anti-submarine, air defence and strike capabilities.
“ARMOR Force is our response to the First Sea Lord’s call for a re-imagined Hybrid Navy. ARMOR Force and the partnerships we are creating with HII and Arondite represent a bold step forward. We are combining advanced autonomy, modular systems, and digital innovation to create a fleet that is more agile, resilient, and ready for tomorrow’s challenges. What we are proposing will keep the Royal Navy at the forefront of global maritime security for decades to come and redefine what is possible at sea,” Nick Hine , Chief Executive of Babcock’s Marine sector, said.
Babcock is working with HII, which is developing and constructing the ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The AI-enabled ROMULUS USV line is designed to meet current and emerging requirements of the Royal Navy. The vessels are engineered for rapid, repeatable production and long endurance at sea.
“HII is proud to be part of this game-changing industry initiative to deliver a hybrid Navy concept for the Royal Navy and international markets. Partnering with Babcock strengthens HII’s ability to deliver ROMULUS for the ARMOR Force and to support the Royal Navy’s vision for the future fleet. The ROMULUS family of USVs brings scale, autonomy, and real operational advantage, and HII adds world-leading expertise across land, sea, and air – as well as the capacity to innovate at scale with a platform already in production,” Chris Kastner , President and CEO, HII, noted.