British maritime firm Kraken Technology Group will build 20 uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for the Royal Navy under Project Beehive.
The Fareham-based firm has bagged a £12.3m deal to supply the drone boats for the Royal Navy’s Surface Flotilla (SURFLOT) as it looks to develop its Hybrid Navy model blending crewed and uncrewed platforms. The USVs will be supplied across the next 12 months.
Kraken builds a range of uncrewed surface vessels including its family of K3 Scout drone platforms, some of which are capable of 55 knots and suitable for both strike and ISR missions.
It has also developed the K4 Manta, which it describes as an uncrewed surface subsurface vessel (USSV). It marries rapid surface transit of sensor or effect payloads with the ability to submerge for covert infiltration, or persistent ISR and/or loitering roles.
As per a Royal Navy press statement, the USVs will be used for operations, training and experiments by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines “to help set the foundation for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology.”
CEO Mal Crease commented: “We are delighted to partner with the MoD to support the Royal Navy’s mission to transform to a hybrid fleet.
“The award of Project Beehive is a major validation of our maritime capabilities and our ability to enhance maritime defence through the introduction of disruptive technologies. As the modern theatre evolves, Kraken will continue to iterate at pace in support of the U.K. and its allies.”
Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Paul Beattie said: “The Royal Navy’s investment in uncrewed surface vessels marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a Hybrid Navy.
“By integrating cutting-edge autonomous technology with our existing capabilities, we are ensuring that our forces remain at the forefront of maritime innovation and warfighting effectiveness.”
And Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard added: “We are building the Royal Navy of the future right now in the face of threats seen around the world.
“Autonomous vessels will complement our world-class warships, protecting U.K. waters and helping keep sailors safe on global deployments. This is innovative technology, developed by an exciting young British company, built right here in Britain, and delivered at pace to keep Britons safe.”
Kraken won the contract following a competitive tender process which attracted bids from 12 firms. The procurement notice stated: “These platforms will be utilised for training, tactic development, warfare development, capability development, and operations in the UK area of responsibility and beyond.”
At the end of August last year German shipbuilding group NVL (now Rheinmetall) and British drone boat specialists Kraken Technology revealed they were teaming up to develop a range of uncrewed platforms for naval and civilian uses — including a potential “drone mothership” solution for the German Navy.
And in November Kraken announced it had won a $49 million contract to build prototype uncrewed surface and underwater vessels for U.S. special forces.
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has awarded the British firm the funding under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, a mechanism allowing it to rapidly assess and integrate emerging technologies.
- You can read more details on the Kraken Technology Group website and on the Royal Navy website