Fareham-based maritime technology firm will deliver 20 modular uncrewed surface vessels to support Royal Navy’s Surface Flotilla operations
The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded Fareham-based maritime technology firm Kraken Technology Group a £12.3 million contract to support the accelerated development of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) as the Royal Navy advances plans for a hybrid fleet combining crewed and autonomous platforms.
Under the agreement, Kraken will deliver 20 of its UK-built advanced modular USVs for the Royal Navy’s Surface Flotilla (SURFLOT). Under Project Beehive, Kraken will also support SURFLOT in training, tactical and warfare development, and in building the foundations for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology. Kraken was designed from the ground up to be entirely interoperable by adopting full Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) from its outset, along with a modular payload approach.
This MOD contract is further validation of Kraken’s proven capabilities and follows the recent Other Transaction Authority (OTA) award by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) against developments in a similar environment. These recent contract wins on both sides of the Atlantic demonstrate that Kraken’s range has true NATO relevance and appeal as allies look to rearm.
Founded only five years ago, Kraken has grown at pace, successfully demonstrating and executing with the MOD, NATO Task Force-X (Baltic), and at multiple SOCOM innovation cycles; as well as having attracted investment from the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), the British National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), and the Estonian-state backed defence fund SmartCap. The company is also expanding a joint venture with major European shipbuilder Rheinmetall Naval Systems and will be announcing further joint ventures/licensed manufacturing agreements in 2026.
Mal Crease, Founder and CEO of Kraken Technology Group, said: “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 UK and its allies.”
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: “We are building the Royal Navy of the future right now in the face of threats seen around the world. Autonomous vessels will compliment our world-class warships, protecting UK 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.”
