The US Navy has long been at the forefront of innovation, especially when it comes to securing the interests of our nation under the waves. As the challenges of underwater defense continue to evolve, the Navy has launched a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for threat detection in underwater targets. At the heart of this effort is Project Accelerated Machine Learning for Maritime Operations (AMMO), an ambitious program designed to ensure that Navy Unmanned Vehicles (UUVs) are agile and effective in the most complex environments.
Challenge: Dynamic Underwater Battlefield Adaptation
Traditionally, the Navy has relied on machine learning models to support UUVS detection of underwater threats. However, the static nature of these models poses a significant risk. In a constantly changing underwater landscape where enemy tactics and environmental conditions are constantly evolving, the ability to rapidly update and redeploy ML models is important. Without this ability, the Navy's mission-critical system risked becoming obsolete and produced inaccurate or unreliable results that could undermine national security.
Recognizing this challenge, the Navy partnered with DIU to explore ways to leverage commercial technology to address these limitations. The goal was clear. Build infrastructure that enables continuous monitoring, retraining and deployment of Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) ML models from the cloud to the edge, allowing Navy UUVs to maintain their operational advantage.
Solution: Domino Data Lab orchestrates AI innovation with AWS GovCloud
In 2022, the Navy and DIU issued a call to the private sector, calling for innovative solutions to create a robust machine learning operation (MLOPS) pipeline that can meet needs. This call led to the formation of project ammunition. This is a collaboration involving several major technology companies. At the heart of this collaboration, it was recently recognized for receiving a major award from the US Department of Defense (DOD) and for accelerating the procurement and fielding of its innovative technology (APFIT) program. This recognition highlights the role of Domino as AI Prime, responsible for coordinating the weight and bias of vendor partners, the potential AI, fiddler AI, and key open source and commercial technologies integration from Arize. Each of these companies has put together a comprehensive solution that brings unique capabilities to the table and transforms the Navy's approach to underwater defense.
Hosted on AWS GovCloud (USA), Domino's enterprise AI platform serves as the backbone of Project Ammo's MLOPS pipeline, enabling rapid innovation, operational agility and secure model deployment. By providing a unified environment for data science and machine learning, Domino enables Navy ML developers to track, modify and redeploy models at unprecedented speeds. This orchestration of best-in-class tools will allow the Navy to continually adapt to new threats and maintain a critical edge in underwater operations.
The impact of APFIT and project ammunition: Strengthening national security through AI
The success of project ammunition is profound. In a Trilateral Joint Combat Problem Exercise in Fall 2023, the Navy demonstrated its ability to collect sensor data, retrain models against an expanded threat environment, and return the updated detection model to the operator's hands within days. Supported by Domino's APFIT-funded platform, this operational feature has reduced the time required to update the model from six months to just a few days to just a few days.
This ability dramatically improved the Navy's operational effectiveness, providing the tools needed to detect and respond to underwater threats with unprecedented speed and accuracy. So the project's Domino and other vendors received success memos from DIU. Read the DIU press release for more information.
The APFIT Award cements Domino's position as an important partner in expanding AI in national defense. Beyond underwater missions, the methodologies and tools developed through this initiative are considered for a wider application across DOD. From undersea warfare to other critical missions, Domino allows DOD to deploy and manage AI at scale, meeting the highest standards of governance, security and operational impact.
Looking ahead: Domino's commitment to AWS public sector innovation
Looking to the future, Project Ammo's success gives us a glimpse into the transformational potential of AI and ML in defense. By leveraging the power of cloud computing and the expertise of key technology partners, the Navy and DIU have set new benchmarks for what is possible in the field of underwater defense.
The increased investment in public sector initiatives, including Domino Data Lab's achievement of FIPS 140-2 compliance, further demonstrates its commitment to supporting the most sensitive national security mission. As a member of the NIST AI Safety Institute Consortium, Domino is dedicated to moving forward with responsible AI practices, ensuring that its solutions are not only effective, but also reliable and transparent.
For data science leaders in the IT and public sector, the lessons of Project Ammo are clear. The ability to rapidly deploy, monitor and update AI models is not just a technical challenge, it is a strategic obligation. Supported by the APFIT Award, Dominoes is leading the way in which the US government empowers them to navigate the complexities of AI and ML, and provides the tools and expertise they need to ensure national defense capabilities.
Conclusion
Robust governance is essential in the rapidly evolving world of AI. Not only for compliance, but for innovation and business value. Domino Data Lab works with AWS to provide an integrated, automated solution that supports both. As you expand your AI initiative, trust Domino and AWS to provide the governance framework you need to succeed. Explore our products on the AWS Marketplace to see how Domino can help drive AI initiatives into the future.
Now is the time to take action. For more information on responsible AI strategies and practices, see the Playbook's AI Governance details. Discover how integrated solutions can help your organization not only meet today's governance challenges, but also prepare for tomorrow's opportunities. Or take a look at our webinars in demand. Mitigate AI risk: Genai & New Threats governance strategy, Diya Wynn featuring AWS responsible AI leads.
