The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has tapped British maritime firm Kraken to fast-track the development and prototyping of next-generation uncrewed surface/subsurface vessels.
Under the $49-million Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, Kraken is tasked with designing, developing, and delivering prototype vessels that utilize cutting-edge materials, enhanced low-signature characteristics, and flexible modular payload architectures.
The craft are intended to enhance USSOCOM’s ability to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), sustainment, and direct-action missions within highly contested littoral battlespaces.
“We are honoured to partner with USSOCOM in support of its mission to field disruptive maritime capabilities,” CEO of Kraken Mal Crease said.
“This OTA represents a validation of our technology roadmap and underscores the critical need for next-generation uncrewed platforms that deliver superior agility, survivability, and operational versatility in the maritime domain.”
The K4 Manta
Kraken has taken part in two SOCOM innovation cycles alongside the governments of Norway and the UK.
Earlier in 2024, Kraken showcased its K4 Manta uncrewed surface/subsurface vessel at the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation exercise.
Developed by Kraken Security, the K4 Manta is a dual-environment autonomous craft optimized for high-speed surface transit with the ability to submerge for low-visibility operations.
The platform is suited for multi-domain roles including ISR, electronic warfare, and precision strike.
Built around a lightweight foiling carbon structure that minimizes visual, acoustic, radar, and thermal detectability, the platform includes a deployable sensor mast for ISR tasks.
The K4 Manta carries payloads up to 5,000 kilograms (11,023 pounds) and can operate autonomously for up to 10 days.
Business Expansion
The USSOCOM contract builds on Kraken’s growing success and operational footprint throughout Europe.
Earlier this year, the firm demonstrated its K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel during NATO’s inaugural Task Force X (TF-X) event in the Baltic Sea.
Kraken has attracted funding from the NATO Innovation Fund and the British Business Bank’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund, supporting major orders across European NATO nations and facilitating successful integration with the UK Ministry of Defence.
In August, Kraken entered a joint venture with German shipbuilder NVL Group to fast-track the design, development, and industrial production of unmanned surface vessels.
The joint effort is intended to respond to accelerating global requirements for scalable uncrewed platforms across defense and commercial sectors, including the safeguarding of critical infrastructure assets.
“Armed with this European momentum, Kraken is primed to break new ground, capture global markets, and forge powerful partnerships globally as they have shown through this most recent award,” the company stated.
