The Royal Navy is advancing its 'Hybrid Navy' concept, which focuses on enhancing the collaboration between people, platforms, and technology. This initiative is supported by programmes such as Atlantic Shield, Atlantic Bastion, Atlantic Strike, and the Maritime Fighting Web, all aimed at future naval operations.
Atlantic Shield specifically outlines how the Navy could integrate crewed and uncrewed systems, digital networks, and new combat strategies to safeguard the UK and NATO's critical maritime routes. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) contributed to this effort by conducting a rapid operational analysis programme and offering technical advice to the Royal Navy.
Dstl's work, undertaken in late 2025 as part of the First Sea Lord’s 100-day challenge, identified both opportunities and challenges within a three-month period. Insights were developed through workshops with military, defence, and industry experts, alongside tabletop exercises and targeted modelling, allowing for an examination of sensing, decision-making, communications, and operational effects across the wider force.