NATO Launches Underwater Operations Programme to Revolutionize Alliance's Capabilities
NATO has initiated a substantial underwater operations program, the Allied Underwater Battlespace Mission Network (AUWB-MN), with Saab at the helm. The UK heads the 12 sponsoring nations, including Sweden, the US, and others. The objective is to develop a secure, swift information exchange system for combined operations in the underwater domain.
The AUWB-MN program, part of NATO's Digital Ocean and Antisubmarine Warfare Barrier Smart Defence Initiative, aims to set a new standard for underwater operations. Saab leads the MANGROVE consortium, which includes CETENA, IDS of the Fincantieri Group, FlySight, GraalTech, Miraya, Saab UK, BlueBear, S2IX, and the University of Plymouth. The consortium began work on 1 September 2025, tasked with designing a Reference Architecture and a Test and Reference Environment for secure, swift information exchange.
The program's outcome is expected to bolster NATO's underwater capabilities, enabling more efficient and secure communication among its members. The 12 sponsoring nations, led by the UK, have demonstrated their commitment to advancing underwater operations within the alliance.
The AUWB-MN program, led by Saab and supported by 12 nations, is poised to transform NATO's underwater operations. The MANGROVE consortium, with its diverse expertise, is set to deliver a secure, swift information exchange system, further enhancing NATO's underwater capabilities.
