Thales Secures Contract to Deliver AI-Powered Remote Command Centres for Royal Navy
Thales has secured a major contract from Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) to design, develop, and deliver the next generation of portable autonomous command centres—marking a decisive step forward in transforming the Royal Navy’s Mine Counter Measures (MCM) capability. The award represents a significant milestone in the UK’s drive toward a more agile, technology-enabled maritime force.
This programme will fundamentally reshape how maritime autonomous mine hunting is conducted, directly supporting the UK Government’s Strategic Defence vision for a future-ready “Hybrid Navy.”
Powering Autonomous Operations with Advanced AI
At the core of the new command centres is the integration of advanced artificial intelligence through cortAIx, Thales’ powerful AI accelerator. Leveraging cortAIx, the Mi-Map and M-Cube software applications will dramatically accelerate and secure decision-making at the heart of MCM operations.
These AI-enabled tools enhance situational awareness, automate complex data analysis, and ensure commanders can operate with speed, confidence, and precision in demanding maritime environments.
Building on Six Decades of Mine Countermeasures Expertise
Thales brings more than 60 years of proven experience in mine countermeasures, combined with sustained investment in next-generation technologies. This deep heritage enables the company to deliver cutting-edge, combat-proven systems that evolve alongside emerging operational threats.
Awarded under the Autonomous Remote Command Centre (RCC) contract, the initial £10 million investment marks the first phase of a programme that could expand to as much as £100 million. The long-term initiative is designed to deliver a comprehensive, next-generation MCM capability for the Royal Navy.
A True “System of Systems” Approach
As prime integrator, Thales will unify multiple unmanned assets—both above and below the water—into a fully connected system of systems. This approach enables safer, more efficient, and more agile mine-hunting missions by seamlessly coordinating autonomous platforms across the maritime battlespace.
The company will provide the full spectrum of capability, including hardware, software, training, and technical expertise, while working closely with a robust UK supply chain. This collaborative model allows for rapid technology adoption, iterative capability enhancement, and continuous operational improvement.
M-Cube and Mi-Map at the Core of Mission Command
At the heart of the command centres is the Thales M-Cube Mission Management System. This combat-proven software suite is already trusted by multiple navies worldwide for planning, execution, and evaluation of both conventional and autonomous MCM missions. It delivers unparalleled situational awareness—from task group coordination down to individual asset control.
Complementing M-Cube, Mi-Map planning and evaluation software introduces advanced AI-powered automatic target recognition. By intelligently filtering and refining raw sensor data, Mi-Map dramatically streamlines the mine-hunting process. Using machine learning, the system continuously improves its performance, processing vast data volumes far beyond human capability—delivering faster, more accurate, and more effective target identification than traditional systems.
Flexible, Containerised Solutions for a Hybrid Navy
In collaboration with programme partners, Thales will initially deliver twin containerised command centre solutions. These highly flexible units will seamlessly integrate platforms, systems, and subsystems, enabling Royal Navy personnel to remotely coordinate fleets of uncrewed and autonomous assets while maximising operator safety.
Beyond mine countermeasures, this autonomous command-and-control capability has broad application across seabed warfare, aligning closely with the Royal Navy’s Long Term Capability Plan and the UK Government’s Hybrid Navy vision.
Commitment to UK Industry and Skills
Commenting on the award, Paul Armstrong, Managing Director for Underwater Systems at Thales UK, said the programme builds on the company’s long-standing partnership with the Royal Navy while delivering world-class autonomous command capabilities through close supply-chain collaboration.
Thales’ sustained investment in UK mine countermeasures has already supported more than 200 highly skilled jobs—particularly at its Somerset and Plymouth sites—while strengthening a wider ecosystem of suppliers and technology partners across the region.