Saab to Unveil Next-Gen Naval Autonomous Systems at WEST 2025

Saab, a global leader in defense and security, is set to demonstrate its cutting-edge naval autonomous systems at the WEST 2025 conference in San Diego. The highlight of the showcase will be the company's innovative Autonomous Ocean Core, a versatile control system designed to enable safe and reliable operations for uncrewed and autonomous systems, both on the water's surface and below. This demonstration, conducted in collaboration with technology partners Aalyria, ANELLO, Hidden Level, Microsoft, Mythos AI, and Second Front, marks a significant step in the evolution of naval warfare technology.

A Closer Look at Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core

The Autonomous Ocean Core is a highly adaptable control system capable of supporting a range of missions. Designed to ensure safe and predictable operations, the system can seamlessly integrate with naval platforms, including Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). Its versatility allows it to be deployed for various mission profiles, such as:

• Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)
• Electronic warfare operations
• Assault and logistics support
• Mine countermeasures
• Search and rescue missions

The system is built with flexibility in mind, allowing operators to select specific maneuvering modes tailored to mission requirements. Whether it's conducting precise navigation or integrating seamlessly with existing platforms, the Autonomous Ocean Core provides plug-and-play readiness right out of the box.

Partner Collaboration and Interoperability

The WEST 2025 demonstration will emphasize the interoperability of the Autonomous Ocean Core with partner technologies. Each partner contributes unique capabilities to Saab's system:

• Aalyria: Advanced connectivity solutions for secure communication.
• ANELLO: Cutting-edge inertial navigation systems for enhanced positional accuracy.
• Hidden Level: Airspace monitoring to ensure situational awareness.
• Microsoft: Cloud computing and AI technologies for data processing and analytics.
• Mythos AI: Autonomous vehicle perception and navigation.
• Second Front: Software development and integration for defense platforms.

Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab U.S., highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core provides a solid foundation for expanding autonomous operations through continuous development and integration of third-party capabilities. We are excited to add the enhanced capabilities from our partners and provide customers with an increased tactical edge while becoming less dependent on active manpower. Safe and reliable autonomous operations are the future of naval warfare.”

Technical Capabilities and Future Potential

Saab’s leadership in autonomous naval systems is evident in its extensive portfolio, including:

• Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs): Designed for surface-level missions like reconnaissance and mine countermeasures.
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Optimized for sub-surface operations such as anti-submarine warfare training and seabed inspections.
• Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs): Specialized for deep-sea missions, including mine hunting and surveying.

The Autonomous Ocean Core integrates seamlessly with these platforms, leveraging precise control systems and advanced AI to execute complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

Why Autonomous Naval Systems Matter

As naval forces worldwide look to enhance operational efficiency and reduce manpower dependency, autonomous systems like Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core are becoming indispensable. They offer a robust solution for conducting critical missions in high-risk environments without endangering personnel. Additionally, their ability to integrate with existing fleets ensures cost-effective upgrades, enabling nations to modernize their capabilities without overhauling their entire naval infrastructure.

What to Expect at WEST 2025

At WEST 2025, attendees can witness a live demonstration of the Autonomous Ocean Core in action, showcasing its ability to execute diverse mission sets in collaboration with partner technologies. This event will not only highlight Saab's technological prowess but also underscore the growing role of interoperability in modern naval warfare.

Saab’s commitment to innovation continues to redefine the future of autonomous naval operations, making the Autonomous Ocean Core a game-changer in the defense industry.