The French Navy is leveraging artificial intelligence in its submarines for detecting enemy vessels in underwater sounds. French startup Preligens is collaborating with the Navy’s acoustic recognition and interpretation center CIRA in Toulon to analyze underwater acoustic signals, with plans to test the technology onboard submarines by the end of 2024 and deploy operationally by 2025. Growing data from passive acoustic sensors on vessels is being managed using AI to assist acoustics analysts and focus on crucial information. The aim is to analyze massive data flow efficiently for effective combat operations.
Interest in passive acoustic warfare is surging as it enables discrete detection of underwater sounds for tactical insights without alerting adversaries. AI is aiding in filtering out irrelevant acoustic signals for focused human analysis on the valuable parts. The increasing data collected by CIRA requires faster processing, which AI facilitates significantly, reducing the processing time of acoustic data from 40 working days to hours.
A significant shift in analyzing acoustic data has occurred since the 1990s, increasing the need for advanced technology like AI. France’s future submarines and vessels will possess enhanced sensor capabilities, necessitating streamlined detection processes. The AI model already shows promising results, distinguishing between different vessels and identifying nuanced details. The ultimate goal is to integrate AI models with other data sources for comprehensive detection capability.
The AI project at CIRA began in 2021 and aims to advance underwater signal analysis substantially. Preligens, a company involved in AI products for military intelligence, has partnered with CIRA to enhance underwater analysis using AI algorithms. The long-term vision involves identifying ambient noises throughout the acoustic spectrum encountered at sea. This innovative approach is expected to revolutionize how submarines detect and act upon underwater threats.
