The Royal Navy has struck a multi-million pound agreement with the British defence scale-up Arondite, under which the firm's AI software will run on UK Commando Force (UKCF) systems, according to a UK government announcement published on GOV.UK. Chief of the Defence Staff Sir Richard Knighton revealed the partnership aboard HMS Prince of Wales at the Atlantic Future Forum.
What the software is meant to do
Per the government, the software, named Cobalt, merges every sensor, autonomous platform and data stream used by UKCF into one combined system. The stated aims are better readiness, faster planning and greater operational effectiveness, with commandos able to decide more quickly in complex and contested settings. The government said the mission orchestration software will allow smooth coordination between UKCF, other UK defence units and partner forces across the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) coalition, and will let new hardware and AI capabilities be fielded rapidly.
Sir Richard described UKCF as the country's foremost amphibious strike force and said Cobalt would give commandos a decisive edge.
Arondite moves into Norway
Arondite said it is setting up its first office outside the UK, in Oslo. Over a five-year period, it plans to spend £35 million expanding its activity with Norway's military, the country's industry and NATO allies. According to the government, Norwegian units will be able to trial the platform alongside UKCF and Arondite on forthcoming deployments, consistent with a new JEF Northern Navies Initiative that the First Sea Lord unveiled on the opening day of the forum.
Arondite co-founder and CEO Will Blyth said the Oslo office reflects a long-term commitment to Norway, whose forces he said work alongside UK Commandos every day.
Jobs and funding
The government said Arondite's workforce is set to double to 150 employees by summer 2027. Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard said this would mean highly skilled, well-paid jobs in the UK. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said the Norwegian expansion shows how British innovation can help close allies.
The announcement said UKCF is getting a £100 million increase in capability investment through the UK Defence Investment Plan, which the force can use to develop future capabilities for special maritime and amphibious missions in the High North within the JEF. According to the government, that plan lays out £298 billion of defence investment across a four-year period.
It also pointed to defence links between the UK and Norway, citing the Lunna House agreement and the shared Type 26 anti-submarine frigate fleet. The government said the Type 26 frigate deal sustains 4,000 jobs in the UK supply chain, among them more than 2,000 in Scotland.
