NATO has chosen Saab of Sweden to lead a multinational program aimed at developing a new underwater mission network that will link allied naval forces.
The initiative, called the Allied Underwater Battlespace Mission Network (AUWB-MN), will see the “Mangrove” consortium create a reference architecture and test environment to connect manned and unmanned platforms operating above, on, and below the sea.
The system is expected to deliver secure, rapid information-sharing and cross-domain coordination, enhancing the effectiveness of joint operations.
The project was launched last July under NATO’s Digital Ocean and Antisubmarine Warfare Barrier Smart Defence Initiative, supported by 12 member nations including the UK, Sweden, the US, and Germany. Each nation has pledged to adopt the standard once it is completed.
Saab’s Kockums division will lead the consortium, which includes partners such as Cetena and IDS (Fincantieri Group), FlySight, GraalTech, Miraya, Saab UK, BlueBear, S2IX, and the University of Plymouth.
NATO emphasized the project’s strategic importance as rival powers expand submarine fleets and undersea surveillance networks. The AUWB-MN is positioned as a cornerstone of the alliance’s long-term antisubmarine warfare and maritime security strategy.
