Swedish defense firm Saab has been tapped by NATO to lead a multinational consortium tasked with building a next-generation underwater mission network. Known as the Allied Underwater Battlespace Mission Network (AUWB-MN), the project seeks to establish a system that links naval forces through both manned and unmanned platforms across all maritime layers.
The “Mangrove” consortium, led by Saab’s Kockums unit, will design a reference framework and test environment for the network. Once operational, it is expected to deliver fast and secure information sharing, as well as cross-domain integration, enabling allies to improve coordination during joint maritime missions.
The project is part of NATO’s broader Digital Ocean and Antisubmarine Warfare Barrier Smart Defence Initiative, approved in July and supported by 12 nations. The UK leads the effort alongside Sweden, Germany, the US, and other contributors. All participating states have pledged to adopt the AUWB-MN standards upon completion, underscoring their long-term commitment to interoperability.
Along with Saab, the consortium includes Cetena and IDS of Italy’s Fincantieri Group, FlySight, GraalTech, Miraya, Saab UK, BlueBear, S2IX, and the University of Plymouth. NATO considers the underwater battlespace an increasingly critical area as rival powers expand their submarine fleets and deploy advanced undersea surveillance tools. The AUWB-MN will form part of NATO’s enduring approach to strengthening antisubmarine warfare and safeguarding vital maritime supply routes.
