The firm has completed two SOCOM innovation cycles with Norwegian and UK Government partners, a process shaped by close collaboration with end users. Kraken said the new OTA marks a major step in its effort to reshape uncrewed maritime systems through advanced materials, stealth features, and modular payloads.
“We are honoured to partner with USSOCOM in support of its mission to field disruptive maritime capabilities,” said Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken. “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.”
Kraken has strengthened its presence in Europe by completing NATO’s Task Force X, securing funding from the NATO Innovation Fund and the British Business Bank’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund, and delivering major orders across NATO nations. The company said this momentum, along with its integration with the UK Ministry of Defence, positions it to expand globally and deepen partnerships following the USSOCOM award.
The uncrewed vessels will include autonomous navigation, low-observable design, and scalable sensors and effectors to support intelligence, logistics, and direct-action missions in contested littoral regions. Kraken said its approach brings together advanced naval architecture and mission-driven engineering to meet the demands of special operations.
USSOCOM uses the OTA framework to assess and adopt emerging technology from non-traditional defence suppliers at pace. Kraken said it intends to continue its cross-continent growth to deliver mission-ready maritime capabilities to the UK and allied partners.
