QinetiQ’s Contribution to Atlantic Bastion

Atlantic Bastion was launched at Portsmouth Dockyard by the Defence Secretary John Healey, 1ST Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins and Norwegian Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik. It plans to establish a range of autonomous capabilities to advance the protection of our shores against increased threats from Russia.

Our partnership with Helsing, supporting their work on the SG-1 Fathom glider, was at the forefront of the announcement with colleagues from both companies at the launch event in Portsmouth.

Simon Cooper, Business Development Director, QinetiQ, said: “Our partnership with Helsing brings together a powerful combination of the latest in AI and autonomous technology, with our expertise in secure communications, systems integration and underwater signatures, delivering assured cutting-edge solutions that will shape the future of subsurface warfare.”

We have a rich heritage in supporting navies across the globe in advancing their capabilities, through sea trials at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre (MOD BUTEC) and Haslar Marine Technology Park, the spiritual home of hydrodynamic test and evaluation in this country.

MOD BUTEC is an underwater range located off the northwest coast of Scotland used for trials and testing of surface and subsurface assets and systems. Operated by a team of around 50 highly skilled QinetiQ employees, the world-class test and evaluation capabilities provide a controlled environment to test technologies in real-world conditions, enabling the UK to maintain sovereign technological advantage both above and below the waves.

Haslar is at the forefront of maritime innovation, providing advanced hydrodynamic, propulsion testing and submarine escape and rescue testing for our customers.

These capabilities, and the expertise of our engineers, scientists, operators and technical leads, ensure that vessels perform safely and efficiently in real-world conditions, supporting mission readiness for the UK and allied forces.

Find out more about how we’re supporting maritime T&E here: Maritime Test and Evaluation