NetApp and the RAF – harnessing AI to protect Britain’s waters

Author: TD SYNNEX Newsflash Published: 30th October 2025

As part of the recent TD SYNNEX Explore: Destination AI event, several vendor partners presented real-world case studies showcasing the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors.

One of those speakers was Chris Roberts, Sales Director (Public Sector UK/I) from NetApp. Chris opened his session by discussing the need for data to be AI-ready and the enterprise AI requirements such as cost efficiency, ransomware protection & compliance, and up to date visibility across the data estate.

NetApp and the RAF – leveraging AI at the edge

NetApp and the RAF – harnessing AI to protect Britain’s waters

Chris also shared a significant public use case of NetApp hybrid AI in action, through their partnership with the RAF.

The Royal Air Force have the vital responsibility for protecting Britain’s waterways, which they do through their Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), namely the P-8 ‘Poseidon’ aircraft. Designed to detect and track submarines and other underwater activity, these sophisticated planes help give a clearer vision as to what’s happening beneath the surface, all the while continuously collecting vast amounts of data.

Back at HQ, AI is used to conduct a deeper analysis of the data that’s been collated, including identification of any trends, anomalies or traces that would previously take days, weeks or even months for human analysts to uncover. The use of AI could “pick up trends and traces that a human just wouldn’t see” explained Chris.

By partnering with NetApp, the data can be securely gathered, analyzed, and shared in a matter of moments. If needed, action can be taken in a timely manner – something that previously would have taken serious manpower.

Introducing NetApp AI Data Engine

Chris also used the session to announce that the very same day as the event, they were launching NetApp AI Data Engine, an end-to-end AI data pipeline, which offers seamless integration into NetApp ONTAP software. AI Data Engine (AIDE) is an enterprise-grade AI data service designed to simplify, secure and accelerate AI data pipelines across both hybrid and multicloud environments.