Imagine being able to speak to someone in their own language, even without internet or translators.
Project VERITAS is an innovative initiative set to transform communication in austere and environments where electronic signals must be limited. Led by jHubMed - the Ministry of Defence’s innovation unit for medical capability, operating under Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) and supporting Defence Medical Services (DMS) priorities. Delivered in collaboration with MyLanguage, a NATO DIANA innovator and commercial partner, and supported by the 2nd Battalion The Ranger Regiment (Army Special Operations Brigade).
What is Project VERITAS?
This project is developing an offline voice-to-voice interpretation app for soldiers operating in remote or high-security environments where connectivity is limited or restricted.
The app runs on Android devices and allows real-time spoken translation between different languages, without needed an internet connection.
Why Does It Matter?
In many NATO and UK operations, physical interpreters cannot always be present. This can create serious challenges, especially in medical care, where effective communication can save lives.
With Project VERITAS medics can speak directly to patients in their own language, even in austere conditions, building trust and improving outcomes.
Beyond healthcare, this technology strengthens interoperability between allied forces, enabling faster decisions and more cohesive action in complex environments.
Human Impact
Language barriers can diminish the quality of care and patient experience. Project VERITAS empowers every soldier to communicate effectively without relying on a physical linguist.
For example, a medic treating an injured local can now explain procedures directly in their language, even in remote areas. This capability is equally vital for humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and civilian interactions, ensuring that language never becomes a barrier to safety or trust.
How Does It Work?
The app uses three deterministic AI models:
- Voice-to-Text – Converts speech into written words.
- Text-to-Text Translation – Translates the text into the target language.
- Text-to-Speech – Speaks the translated text aloud.
Unlike generative AI, these models are deterministic, meaning they focus on accuracy and reliability. Crucially, the system operates completely offline, making it ideal for low electromagnetic control (EMCON) conditions where electronic signals must be limited.
Currently, the app supports: Ukrainian, French, Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, Russian, and Mandarin, with plans to expand further.
What Makes It Different?
Unlike commercial apps such as Google Translate, Project VERITAS is:
- Completely offline and air-gapped - No internet required, ensuring security in sensitive environments.
- Secure by design - No risk of data being shared or stored externally.
- Built for Defence - Optimised for austere conditions and operational use.
What’s Next?
Project VERITAS is about to begin pilot trails in the UK and overseas with ASOB. Their trials will test the technology in real-world conditions, paving the way for wider deployment across Defence.
Similar solutions are already being used by organisations like the US Coast Guard for boarding operations, showing the potential for cross-government and NATO-wide adoption.
Voices from the Field
‘This is a really exciting development. Project VERITAS has the potential to transform how we deliver care and operate in environments where communication is a challenge. For medics, being able to speak directly to patients in their own language-even offline-can make a critical difference to outcomes and trust.’
- Maj Richard Cumpsty, Regimental Medical Officer, 2nd Battalion The Ranger Regiment
“Project VERITAS is redefining how Defence embraces innovation. By harnessing NATO DIANA’s Rapid Adoption Service, we’re fast-tracking breakthrough technologies to support our medical teams on the front line. This isn’t just about procurement—it’s about putting JHubMed at the cutting edge of medical innovation, ensuring those who serve have the best possible care wherever duty takes them.”
- Sqn Ldr Marc Offord, jHubMed Project Manager
A Strategic Enabler
Project VERITAS is more than a technological advance; it is a strategic enabler for future operations. By breaking down language barriers, it helps help saves lives, strengthen partnerships and ensures missions success in the most challenging environments.
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