The conflict in Ukraine illustrates the evolving nature of warfare, with hybrid tactics increasingly impacting also the maritime domain. The Black Sea, a crucial trade route, faces threats from naval mines and drone strikes on civilian vessels. Traditional defense strategies struggle to keep pace, underscoring the importance of AI and autonomous systems in maritime security. Admiral Jan Christian Kaack of the German Navy envisions a future where unmanned systems and AI will redefine naval forces.
2nd Bremen Dialogue: The Evolution of Maritime Security in an AI-Driven Era
On 1 July 2025, key stakeholders from the defence and maritime sectors examined the crucial role of AI and autonomy for maritime security at the 2nd Bremen Dialogue and discussed the necessary technological advances and innovations.
Following the successful launch in March 2024, this year's dialogue focused on the urgent need for collaboration and innovation in the face of evolving threats.
As a leading provider of AI-based tactical decision support, 21strategies was proud to contribute to this vital conversation, sharing insights and expertise to help shape the future of maritime security.
Third Wave AI: Autonomous Tactical Decision-Making with GhostPlay@SEA
A prime example of naval digital transformation is the GhostPlay@SEA project, a consortium with 21strategies as main technical contractor. For the first time, this project expands tactical AI and dynamic adversarial simulation to the maritime domain. It benefits from 21strategies' technology leadership in tactical AI and AI-based red teaming.
GhostPlay@SEA: A strong Collaboration
Realistic, AI-supported simulations will make a decisive contribution to the digital transformation of maritime forces. The aim of GhostPlay@SEA is to simulate and train highly realistic, AI-supported tactics for the deployment and defense against unmanned systems in naval warfare and to transfer them to real physical platforms.
The consortium includes, in addition to 21strategies, ATLAS Elektronik, Hensoldt Sensors, Rheinmetall Defence Electronics and Borchert Consulting & Research. The project is led by the Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, as part of dtec.bw, and is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU and supported by a consortium of industry and science.
Conclusion
The 2nd Bremen Dialogue has shown that the future of maritime security lies in the use of AI and autonomous systems. These technologies enable faster and more precise decision-making, which is crucial in modern warfare. The collaboration between industry, research, and the military is essential to develop and implement these innovations.
For more information on how 21strategies, GhostPlay@SEA, and AI-based decisions for autonomous systems can support your projects, please contact us.
