UK Commando Force deploys Arondite Cobalt to enable AI capabilities for High North operations

Arondite has agreed a multi-million pound contract with the Royal Navy to deploy their Cobalt mission orchestration software across the UK Commando Force (UKCF).

UKCF units are implementing the Cobalt platform to further enhance force readiness, planning speed and operational effectiveness by leveraging autonomy, data and AI at unprecedented scale.

The Cobalt platform integrates all UKCF sensors, autonomous platforms and data feeds into a unified software fighting system, applying AI decision support tools to dramatically accelerate decision-making in complex and contested environments.

The announcement comes as UKCF receives a £100m uplift in capability investment through the UK Defence Investment Plan, allowing the force to develop future warfighting capabilities for special maritime and amphibious operations across the High North as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

The Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, announced the partnership between the Navy and Arondite aboard HMS Prince of Wales during the Atlantic Future Forum, the UK’s flagship international security conference.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng, said:

‍“UK Commando Force is our foremost amphibious strike force, and it must be ready to fight and win in the most contested environments.

"Cobalt will give our commandos a decisive edge, bringing their sensors, autonomous platforms and data together so that they can make decisions faster than any adversary.”

Cobalt’s interoperable architecture will enable seamless co-ordination between UKCF, UK Defence units and partner forces across the JEF coalition, and allow for the rapid deployment of future hardware and AI capabilities.

The project comes as Arondite announces its expansion into Norway, with a NOK 430 million (£35m) investment commitment (see separate press release). UKCF and Arondite will make the platform available to Norwegian units for joint testing during upcoming deployments in line with the JEF’s new Northern Navies Initiative announced by the First Sea Lord on the first day of Atlantic Future Forum.

Arondite’s partnership with UKCF is the company’s second major contract announcement of 2026, following Cobalt’s deployment across 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team - the British Army’s global response force - earlier this year.

Will Blyth, Co-founder and CEO of Arondite, said:

‍"UK Commando Force remain ready to defend the High North at a moment’s notice. As the threats we face become more complex and unpredictable, commando units are employing the latest technologies to reach further and adapt faster than our adversaries. It is a real privilege to support teams who are adopting technology at the speed modern deterrence demands.”

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