BAE Systems, a company that provides “advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions,” will “design and deliver the UK’s first dedicated autonomous systems testing service,” after being awarded a grant of £457,000 from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The new service, which is expected to be ready for use later this year, will give customers a “safe, controlled and realistic environment in the Solent” where they can conduct trials and test a variety of systems such as unmanned boats, air vehicles and autonomous sensors.

“Autonomous and unmanned systems are widely regarded as a vital technology for the future, but there is a great deal of work to be done if we are to unlock its true potential and understand how they are best integrated into wider systems,” says Frank Cotton, BAE Systems’ Combat Systems Head of Technology.

“A wide range of organizations from the defence and commercial sectors, along with academia, have ambitions for this technology and this unique service will allow them to find valuable ways to use it whilst furthering its development.”

Ian Millen, Solent LEP Maritime Chairman, adds, “from the Port of Southampton, the most productive port in Europe, to Portsmouth Naval Base, HQ of the Royal Navy and soon to be home to the largest aircraft carriers in UK history, the Solent is used to making waves on an international stage.”

“The key to this success has always been founded in innovation and, through our investment to create the UK’s first autonomous systems testing service in the Solent, the LEP will ensure that the area and its businesses, large and small, continue to be a driving force for UK innovation for years to come.”

According to Millen, the Solent is “the heart of the UK’s Marine and Maritime sector.” Millen adds that the assets possessed by the Solent allow for the region, its business and the UK economy to compete globally.

The service will be backed by a comprehensive safety case, and will utilize a secure maritime communications network, as well as a mobile command and control center, which featuers the same technology that BAE Systems provides to UK Royal Navy platforms.

​The service’s infrastructure will be provided by BAE Systems, with help from ASV Global (ASV), Blue Bear Systems Research (Blue Bear), Marine Electronic Systems (MES), SeeByte and the University of Southampton.

Additional organizations are set to join later this year.