Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Thales and University of Southampton enter research partnership

Defence

Thales and University of Southampton enter research partnership

Thales and the University of Southampton have announced a research partnership on autonomous marine systems, which is part of a strategic approach to the application of artificial intelligence to maritime environments, set to meet the UK's future maritime energy and defence infrastructure requirements.

Sharing a common research vision in the deployment of autonomous systems in the maritime environment, Thales and the University of Southampton (UoS) teams will work together to optimise cooperation between humans and autonomous systems through their combined expertise in artificial intelligence, maritime engineering and autonomous systems.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The ultimate objective of this research programme is to enable the deployment of autonomous systems in the maritime environment and to reduce the cost of maritime operations through better human-machine collaboration.

This ambitious project lies in the emphasis placed on the human aspect, which must be at the centre of the decision-making process, namely exploring the human operator's expectations and understanding how new autonomous systems can help him optimise his tasks.

By deploying AI and robotics in autonomous maritime platforms, this programme will meet the United Kingdom's needs for maritime energy and defence infrastructure.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

Defence Events

Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, to look at upcoming requirements for a new generation of modern off road vehicles.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

Defence

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

24 April 2026

Earlier this year, demonstrations to the Royal Navy were successfully conducted at SubSea Craft’s UK headquarters as part of Atlantic Bastion, a programme to make Britain more secure from threats in the North Atlantic.

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

Defence

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

24 April 2026

This week the UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with leaders from UK banking, venture capital and strategic finance, to explore how private investment can be leveraged to drive innovation and accelerate defence readiness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces

Defence Events

Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces' tactical comms

24 April 2026

In partnership with Advanced Defence Systems (ADS), Thales Malaysia is establishing a local assembly line for new-generation SYNAPS (V/UHF) Software-Defined Radios in Segamat, Johor, strengthening Thales’ local manufacturing capabilities.

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

Defence

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group, together with the British Embassy Jakarta, British Chamber of Commerce and Indonesian partners, have formally launched the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP), a flagship agreement to deepen UK–Indonesia cooperation across maritime defence, fisheries, industrial capability and skills development.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner