The UK has launched the Atlantic Bastion programme, an ambitious initiative to bolster undersea military capabilities in response to increased Russian submarine activity. This multimillion-pound project, outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, aims to protect critical underwater infrastructure by integrating autonomous vehicles, AI, and a network of naval assets. Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the need for rapid innovation to address these evolving threats, while the First Sea Lord highlighted maritime security as a strategic imperative. The initiative also aligns with a recent defence agreement between the UK and Norway to enhance naval operations, underscoring the importance of safeguarding vital undersea communications and energy supplies.