Interoperability, security and persistence are key enablers for current and future NATO operations using autonomous/ unmanned systems across all domains. Along with this view PARC Programme is aligned with the ACT Long Term Aspects (LTA) with the objective of transforming NATO forces by delivering an interoperable operational capability using autonomous systems of systems in the maritime domain. PARC seeks to design the architectural framework in which future AUV capabilities will be cast, establishing standards for control, data flow, information security, performance and interfaces, to provide NATO future forces with interoperable systems that are scalable and that reduce risk and cost.

A major component of maritime security is maritime situational awareness (MSA), which ultimately addresses the enormous challenge of identifying vessel intents from the variety of available information sources. Situational awareness of surface maritime traffic is complicated by: a huge volume of data and information to be mined arising from sensors and humans; a significant lack of sensor coverage away from coastal areas; reliance on voluntary transponder-based information, such as the Automated Identification System (AIS); possible conflicting information; a requirement for both inter-national and inter-agency meaningful information sharing.

The use of autonomous systems to detect, identify and dispose of mines has the potential to transform mine countermeasures from a Cold War legacy focused on time-consuming clearance of mines using a surface ship to a quickly deployable, cost-effective system that is faster and keeps NATO personnel out of harm's way.

Since its inception in 1959, CMRE has been a world-class Centre for sonar research, particularly multi-static active sonar. Although sonar research is still a major thrust at the Centre, today the emphasis is on integrating conventional assets with heterogeneous networks of smart sensors to conduct several types of ASW missions as force multipliers.

The Environmental Knowledge and Operational Effectiveness (EKOE) program addresses these NATO challenges by developing concepts, studies and experiments using disruptive techniques capable to Gather, Process, Fuse and Exploit environmental knowledge and deliver standards, requirements and prototypes that can be game changing in providing information superiority to NATO through the Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace (IPB) and Interoperability and Information Exploitation (I2X).

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), directed by Dr Catherine Warner, is anThe Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), directed by Dr Catherine Warner, is anestablished, world-class NATO scientific research and experimentation facility located in La Spezia, Italy.

Modelling & Simulation (M&S) is a critical methodology with particular value for the NATO Nations. M&S allows the behaviors of both existing systems and hypothetical future systems to be analysed in a range of simulated environments (Live-Virtual-Constructive).

The quietest ship in its class, the NATO Research Vessel (NRV) Alliance was designed to minimize noise radiating from the ship into the water, making it an excellent platform for sonar testing and other types of research where a quiet undersea environment is essential. The 93-metre, 3,180-ton, openocean research vessel offers 400 square metres of laboratory space and state-of-the-art navigation, computer, and communication equipment.

Acquired in 2002, Coastal Research Vessel (CRV) LEONARDO is a valuable asset to CMRE’s programme of work, contributing significantly to the scientific successes of the Centre. The vessel provides complementary capability to NRV ALLIANCE, especially in shallow waters.

The Ocean Explorer (OEX) is a sophisticated autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and one of CMRE's most valuable assets. Developed at Florida Atlantic University, the OEX has undergone significant modifications at the Centre for use in the antisubmarine warfare programme and other projects.

Read more on the OEX Autonomous Underwater Vehicle fact sheet.