US and UK Launch REEF Initiative to Develop Undersea Threat Countermeasures

The Defense Innovation Unit has initiated the Robotic Exclusion & Engagement Framework (REEF), a U.S.-U.K. effort to address threats from autonomous underwater vehicles. The initiative seeks technologies to protect critical infrastructure and expeditionary forces from underwater threats, focusing on systems that integrate sensors and AI for detection and classification. Proposals are due by April 3, with a preference for non-kinetic solutions.

Published Mar 26, 2026

The U.S. and U.K. have launched the Robotic Exclusion & Engagement Framework (REEF) through the Defense Innovation Unit to tackle rising threats from autonomous underwater vehicles. The initiative aims to develop technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure, including ports, and expeditionary forces from underwater threats.

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Key interests include systems that combine off-the-shelf sensors, edge processing, and AI for detecting and classifying threats. The focus is on scalable, deployable technologies suitable for varied maritime conditions, with a preference for non-kinetic methods. Proposals are due April 3, and selected technologies may lead to prototype agreements and production contracts.