The US Navy wants to put AI on submarines — now the machines will help commanders make decisions

Not just automation, but a combat assistant

The US Navy is taking a step that has long been talked about in defense circles: they are beginning to integrate artificial intelligence directly into the combat systems of submarines. An information request (RFI) was recently released, which clearly outlines the goal — not just to speed up data processing, but to create a real "combat assistant" for the commander. The machine should not only show you what's going on around you, but also suggest what to do next.

This is no longer the future. This is the beginning of a new era of underwater warfare.

AN/BYG-1 — the brain of American submarines

All this work is built around the AN/BYG-1 system, the central brain of all active American submarines. She is responsible for guidance, weapon control, analysis of data from sonar and electronic systems. The same system is also used on the submarines of the Royal Australian Navy, which makes it key for the entire alliance.

Now the Navy wants not to replace it, but to modernize it — to make it smarter, faster and more adaptable.

What will the three key updates change?

The RFI identifies three main areas:

• Tactical management restructuring — the system will become more flexible, easier to update, and better integrated with new sensors and weapons.
• Payload restructuring — now the boat will be able to control not only torpedoes, but also drones, gliders, mines and other autonomous systems.
• The new Tactical decision—making System (TDA) is the most important. This is an AI that will analyze the situation, identify patterns, assess risks, and offer options to the commander. For example: "There is an enemy boat 15 miles to the north, probably on a quiet course. I recommend changing course by 20 degrees and activating passive mode."

Why boats urgently need AI

Underwater combat is a blind game. One wrong sound, one extra impulse— and you're spotted. The more data there is, the more difficult it is to process it. And the decision time is seconds.

The man does not have time. Even the most experienced commander cannot keep hundreds of parameters in mind: background field noises, the behavior of enemy ships, hydrological conditions, the condition of his own boat.

AI can. He doesn't get tired, nervous, or miss details. He will become the one who "listens" to the ocean 24/7 and at the right moment will say: "Be careful — there's a trap there."

Sources

1. General Dynamics Mission Systems — AN/BYG-1 Submarine Combat System overview
2. FlotProm.ru — deployment & capabilities of AN/BYG-1 on US submarines
3. Wikipedia — AN/BYG-1 system on Columbia-class submarines and others
4. TAdviser — U.S. smart submarine capable of attacking without military orders
5. Wikipedia — IDS submarine types