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Seabed: Surveillance

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 28 January 2026UIN 98831

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK unveils new undersea warfare technology to counter threat from Russia, published on 8 December 2025, whether a contract has been placed for the Seabed Sentry network since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Luke Pollard

No contract has been placed for Seabed Sentry. Procurement of such platforms would be conducted in accordance with UK commercial law, through a fair competition.

The first formal element of the tendering process for Atlantic NET, commenced in September 25 and was completed in January 26. This involved the assessment of 26 compliant industry proposed solutions for ‘Persistent ASW Sense (ISR) as a Service’ and followed on from 6 months of regular two-way industry engagement with approximately 327 companies in the supplier base. These are largely UK based, or have UK elements in their proposals.

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