Saab-Led Consortium to Develop NATO’s Underwater Warfare Network
A consortium led by Saab, named Mangrove, has been selected by NATO to spearhead the Allied Underwater Battlespace Mission Network (AUWB-MN) project. Officially launched on September 1, 2025, the initiative aims to enhance interoperability between maritime unmanned systems and conventional platforms within the NATO alliance.
Key Objectives and Scope
The project’s core objective is to create a reference architecture and a dedicated testing environment for an information-sharing network. This network will encompass both manned and unmanned systems operating above, on, and below the water’s surface.
The envisioned network will facilitate coordinated operations across various military branches by enabling rapid and secure information exchange and seamless integration across different operational domains. The expected outcome is a new standard for underwater warfare within NATO.
Strategic Importance
“This is a crucial project for both us and NATO, and we are pleased to be leading it. Over the next twelve months, the consortium’s collective expertise and focus will be directed towards developing the network in accordance with our assigned mission. The underwater domain is becoming increasingly strategically important, and this project is a vital contribution to our shared security and defense at sea,” says Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s Kockums business area.
David Burton, project manager for NATO’s Antisubmarine Warfare Barrier Smart Defence Initiative, added, “The AUWB-MN project represents a significant step forward in modernizing our warfare capabilities and enhancing the ability of NATO allies to collaborate effectively against threats in the underwater domain. We are confident that Saab and the Mangrove consortium will deliver a robust and effective network that strengthens NATO’s maritime defense.”
International Collaboration
The Mangrove consortium was selected on July 16, 2025. The project is an integral part of NATO’s Digital Ocean and Antisubmarine Warfare Barrier Smart Defence Initiative. It is sponsored by twelve nations, led by the United Kingdom, alongside Sweden, the United States, Australia, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. These nations have committed to adopting the standard developed through this project.
The Mangrove Consortium
Saab’s Kockums business area leads the multinational Mangrove consortium, which includes:
- CETENA
- IDS (part of Fincantieri Group)
- FlySight
- GraalTech
- Miraya
- Saab UK
- BlueBear
- S2IX
- University of Plymouth
Saab’s Role
Saab is a leading defense and security company dedicated to helping nations protect their populations and contributing to the safety of people and societies. With 26,000 employees, Saab develops technology and solutions for a safer and more sustainable world. Saab develops, manufactures, and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control systems, sensors, and underwater systems. Headquartered in Sweden, Saab has a global presence and is an integral part of many nations’ defense capabilities.
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