Kraken Technology Group and Saab UK have developed and tested a prototype autonomous “drone seeker” vessel for maritime environments, the companies said.
The experimental vessel combines Kraken’s K3 Scout, a modular uncrewed surface vessel (USV), with Saab UK’s Giraffe 1X, a lightweight 3D radar designed to detect and track airborne threats in real time. The radar is integrated into the K3 Scout’s modular payload bay and is expected to provide early warning of aerial threats, including small airborne targets.
The companies said they moved from concept to a working prototype in a matter of months, including a series of sea trials to test radar performance in maritime conditions. They said the integration shows how the K3 Scout’s modular architecture can bring new sensors and payloads to sea, with potential uses including protecting shipping, ports, offshore energy assets and critical national infrastructure.
The prototype can operate independently or alongside conventional surface vessels. The companies said it demonstrates the role of autonomous systems within a “hybrid navy,” extending sensing and early-warning capability without requiring an additional crewed platform.
Both companies are based in Fareham in the UK, where the K3 Scout and Giraffe 1X are manufactured. Kraken said it is scaling production to 1,000 vessels per year at a new 35,000ft2 facility, following a US$175m Series B raise and a US$1bn valuation.
Mal Crease, CEO and founder of Kraken Technology Group, said, “Kraken and Saab UK’s prototype ‘drone seeker’ vessel is exactly what the K3 Scout was designed to do: integrate with mission-relevant payloads to then operate in austere maritime environments.”
Andy Fraser, managing director of Saab UK, said, “This is a pioneering, UK-manufactured, deployable capability, that together with Kraken we’ve developed in less than seven months. This reflects the strength of our partnership, the maturity and flexibility of our respective technologies, and our ability to respond at pace to the evolving threat landscape and needs of our customers.”
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