The activities conducted during the demonstration will inform the operational integration of USVs into future vigilance activities in the Baltic Sea and throughout the Euro-Atlantic region.
The demonstration was a partnered initiative between NATO’s Allied Command Transformation and Allied Maritime Command and aimed at delivering capabilities that exploit emerging and disruptive technologies, including autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, to enhance the Alliance’s situational awareness of sea lines of communication and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure.
The participating USVs were fielded through the Task Force X initiative from NATO’s Allied Command Transformation that builds on existing NATO decisions and initiatives, in the areas of Autonomy and Digital Transformation, as well as NATO’s Digital Ocean Vision.
This collaborative effort will fill gaps in surveillance, particularly in areas not covered by existing systems like the Automatic Identification System, and improve our ability to detect vessels that may be operating without identification
"Task Force X is intended to be employed alongside Enhanced Vigilance Activities in support of ACO, to further reassure Allies and deter acts of vandalism against critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea,” said Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. “It provides a framework for all nations to contribute by enabling the deployment of their own autonomous capabilities, while showcasing the value of a range of exquisite capabilities and emerging technologies. This collaborative effort will fill gaps in surveillance, particularly in areas not covered by existing systems like the Automatic Identification System, and improve our ability to detect vessels that may be operating without identification."
Task Force X leverages successful campaigns like the United States Navy’s Task Forces 59 and 66, employing maritime autonomous systems to provide persistent surveillance, detect and track potential threats, and enhance situational awareness. The initiative enables nations to contribute their own capabilities, while ensuring integration within the overall NATO framework.
NATO Allied Command Transformation leads the strategic warfare development of NATO’s military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines. It aims to innovate and maintain a warfighting edge to improve the military effectiveness of the Alliance.
Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) is headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom. MARCOM is the central command of all NATO maritime forces, and the MARCOM commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance.
Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM