Oracle’s Edge Cloud kit has been installed on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, enabling a sovereign AI platform to run locally at sea. The solution provides crew members real‑time analytics, decision‑support insights and secure data processing without relying on external networks, marking the first operational use of ship‑board AI for the UK navy.
Oracle Edge Cloud Hardware on HMS Prince of Wales
The Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Edge kit is a rugged, portable cloud enclosure designed for military environments. It delivers compute, storage and networking resources inside a hardened chassis that can be powered by shipboard generators or external sources. By hosting the hardware on the carrier, the Royal Navy can execute machine‑learning workloads and analytics directly on the vessel.
Key Features
- Local processing: Runs AI workloads without external connectivity, preserving data sovereignty.
- Military‑grade durability: Built to withstand harsh maritime conditions.
- Scalable resources: Combines compute, storage and networking in a single edge package.
Saga AI Platform Overview
Developed by Whitespace, the Saga platform transforms raw mission data into actionable insights. Crew members interact with an app‑like interface to log lessons learned, review sensor feeds and request AI‑generated recommendations that support tactical and operational decisions.
Platform Capabilities
- Data aggregation: Consolidates sensor streams, radar, sonar and electronic warfare inputs.
- Insight generation: Provides AI‑driven analysis for situational awareness.
- Decision support: Offers recommendations to enhance command decision‑making.
Official Statements
First Sea Lord Sir Gwyn Jenkins emphasized that integrating AI across Royal Navy operations is critical to national defence. The partnership between Oracle and the Ministry of Defence highlights a commitment to sovereign AI—keeping processing and storage under UK control while leveraging commercial cloud technology.
Technical Context
Oracle’s Edge offering enables cloud workloads in remote or contested environments. The system’s built‑in security features ensure that data remains protected on the carrier, whether operating in national waters or abroad.
Why a Sovereign AI Solution Matters
Maintaining AI processing on‑board eliminates the need to transmit classified sensor data to overseas data centres, reducing exposure to espionage and supply‑chain risks. The solution meets stringent military durability standards while delivering the performance required for real‑time analytics.
Implications for Defence and Industry
The deployment signals a shift toward integrating commercial cloud technology into mission‑critical defence systems. If successful, the Saga platform could expand to other vessels, submarines and shore‑based command centres, creating a unified AI ecosystem across the Royal Navy.
Challenges Ahead
Effective AI performance depends on high‑quality data inputs and robust model validation. Users must verify AI outputs to avoid misinformation that could impact operational decisions.
Next Steps
The Royal Navy will evaluate Saga’s performance throughout the carrier’s deployment cycle. Oracle and Whitespace plan iterative updates, incorporating crew feedback and adding new data sources such as radar, sonar and electronic warfare sensors.
Conclusion
Oracle’s Edge Cloud installation on HMS Prince of Wales introduces the first operational sovereign AI platform on a UK warship. By combining commercial cloud expertise with a purpose‑built AI engine, the Royal Navy aims to boost situational awareness, streamline decision‑making and retain full control over sensitive defence data.
