UK picks Thales to modernize navy’s MCM with AI-powered command centers

Defense giant Thales has been awarded a major contract by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) for the design, development, and delivery of the next-generation portable autonomous command centers.

Awarded under the Autonomous Remote Command Centre (RCC) contract, this initial £10 million investment marks the first stage of a program that has scope to grow to up to £100 million to deliver next-generation mine countermeasures (MCM) capability for the Royal Navy.

The company will lead the integration of multiple unmanned assets, both above and below the water, into becoming a ‘system of systems’. It will provide the hardware, software, training, and technical advice, collaborating with the UK supply chain.

Specifically, Thales’ M-Cube mission management system will form the core of the command centers. The software is already in service with several navies and is used to plan, conduct and assess both conventional and autonomous mine countermeasures missions. It provides situational awareness across different command levels, from task group coordination to individual units.

Meanwhile, the Mi-Map planning and evaluation software will underpin the Royal Navy’s new remote command centre. Using AI-based automatic target recognition, the system processes and organizes sensor data to support mine-hunting operations. Machine-learning techniques allow Mi-Map to update its data models over time and analyze large volumes of information, supporting faster and more consistent target identification than traditional methods, according to Thales.

The AI elements of the system are developed with support from cortAIx, Thales’ internal AI framework, which supports the integration of AI across defence systems and sensors operating in complex environments.

Working with program partners, Thales will initially deliver two containerised command centre units designed to integrate existing platforms, systems and subsystems. The capability is intended to support the coordination of uncrewed and autonomous assets during MCM operations, enabling remote command and control while reducing the need for personnel to operate in high-risk areas.

The command and control architecture is also expected to be applicable to wider seabed warfare tasks and aligns with the UK government’s ‘Hybrid Navy’ concept and the Royal Navy’s long-term plans for integrating MCM mission systems.

“Thales is honoured to continue its central role in delivering mine countermeasures capability to the Royal Navy, building on our proven heritage. This next-generation of autonomous command centres is part of a flexible suite of autonomous C2 from containerised solutions to vessel operations centres or large, shore operations centres. ​ By collaborating across the supply chain, we are committed to supporting the UK with world-class technology and fostering growth and high-value skilled jobs across our UK operations,” Paul Armstrong, Managing Director for Underwater Systems activities, Thales in the UK.

To remind, at the beginning of this year, Thales secured a major contract to maintain the Royal Navy’s internal and external fleet communications and provide global support for the next ten years.