Executive Summary
Techmodal partnered with an international Defence client to transform acoustic operations in the underwater battlespace. By combining cutting-edge AI with operational insight, we empowered end users to detect and classify subsurface contacts with greater speed and accuracy.
Our solution, developed in collaboration with front-line teams and tested in live operational environments, represents a new standard in applied data science. It showcases how strategic innovation and technical excellence can deliver lasting operational impact—not only in Defence, but in any domain reliant on acoustic or sensor-driven decision-making.
Overview
In a landmark project to advance underwater capability, Techmodal delivered a tailored AI solution for acoustic signal analysis. Working closely with front-line operators and embedded technical teams, we developed and deployed deep learning models that process raw sonar data, transforming it into actionable insights.
Tested in live environments and developed under strict information controls, this solution has set a precedent for how AI can be embedded within high-stakes operations to support real-time decision-making.
While originally focused on underwater acoustic challenges, the approach is scalable and adaptable to other domains—across Defence, security, energy, environmental monitoring, and beyond—where the fusion of data, operational know-how, and trust is critical.
The challenge
Operators in data-rich, high-pressure environments face a growing burden to act quickly and accurately on complex signals. In this case, acoustic analysts needed support to detect and classify subsurface contacts in real time, often working with limited visibility, fragmented tools, and no single view of evolving mission data.
There was a clear need to:
- Understand how operators were using existing systems
- Identify pain points in data flow, analysis, and response times
- Design AI tools that could seamlessly integrate into existing workflows, without disrupting mission-critical processes
- Enable collaborative development across international and classified teams
Our approach
More than AI: Integrated insight and innovation
We don’t just deliver algorithms—we deliver capability. Techmodal brought together deep learning expertise, Defence-experienced consultants, and systems thinking to design a solution that addressed real operational needs.
Real-world research
We embedded with platform trainers and operational teams to observe how data is used in situ. This hands-on approach, grounded in Human Factors principles, helped us understand how people interact with systems in high-pressure environments. It gave us a clear view of user workflows, stress points, and cognitive loads—insights that shaped how we designed and refined our tools. The result? AI solutions that actively support decision-making without disrupting operational flow.
Agile model development
We developed and refined deep learning models capable of interpreting raw underwater audio and converting it into spectrograms for classification. These models were tested across both unclassified and classified datasets—drawing on real mission data and enabling continuous iteration through user feedback loops.
User-first design
We led early-access engagement sessions, giving users a hands-on role in shaping the tool. These sessions allowed for direct feedback on usability, accuracy, and relevance—fueling a development cycle grounded in collaboration and trust.
Strategic stakeholder alignment
Navigating multi-organisation, multi-national input was key. We developed a stakeholder matrix to clarify roles, streamline collaboration, and simplify communication across a wide partner network. Crucially, our experience in managing sensitive and classified data environments meant we could confidently operate across varying security levels – bridging gaps between data classifications and hardware constraints. This gave partners confidence in maintaining momentum without compromising security, enabling a more coordinated and agile development process.
The outcome
- A trusted, scalable AI solution successfully trialled on operational equipment in a live environment
- Greater clarity and speed for operators working with complex underwater acoustic data
- A framework for collaboration that enabled shared ownership of development across secure environments
- A roadmap for extending this approach to other domains reliant on signal and sensor interpretation, including energy, logistics, space, and security
This project demonstrated the power of pairing advanced modelling with human-centred design—driving transformation that respects operational nuance, security boundaries, and evolving threats.
What makes Techmodal different
Techmodal stands at the forefront of acoustic data transformation, with a unique mix of technical, operational, and strategic strengths:
- Deep domain expertise – We bring strong experience across Navy and maritime contexts, developing models that go beyond classification to integrate with real-world systems under complex constraints
- Operational credibility – Our team includes ex-service personnel who understand what success looks like on the ground (or in this case, below the surface)
- Proven international access – We’ve successfully developed and deployed AI models within secure cloud environments used by the US military—demonstrating trusted technical delivery in highly sensitive settings
- Live mission integration – Our models have been tested and used in operational craft, providing actionable insights in real time—a game changer for situational awareness
- Secure, scalable delivery – Whether integrating into UK MOD platforms or operating across allied systems, we know how to work within clearance levels while maintaining flexibility and speed
Sharper decisions below the surface.
We combine advanced AI with deep operational understanding to turn complex acoustic data into clear, trustworthy insight — supporting faster and more confident decisions in demanding environments.
If you’re exploring how AI can enhance situational awareness and operational advantage — let’s talk.
