Under the agreement, Kraken will deliver its UK-built modular USVs to the Royal Navy’s Surface Flotilla (SURFLOT). The programme also includes support for training, tactical development and warfare experimentation using autonomous maritime systems.
Project Beehive is intended to help the Royal Navy develop the operational foundations required for wider use of uncrewed and autonomous technologies. Kraken’s vessels have been designed from the outset to be fully interoperable through the use of Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) and a modular payload approach.
The contract follows other recent successes for the company in international defence markets. These include an Other Transaction Authority award from United States Special Operations Command for developments in a similar operational environment.
According to Kraken, the contracts secured in both the United Kingdom and the United States highlight the NATO relevance of its systems as allied nations increase defence capabilities. The company said these developments demonstrate growing demand for modular maritime technologies within allied defence structures.
Kraken Technology Group was founded in 2020 and has expanded rapidly during its first five years of operation. The company has worked with the UK Ministry of Defence, NATO Task Force-X in the Baltic region and several United States Special Operations Command innovation programmes.
Kraken has also attracted investment from the NATO Innovation Fund, the British National Security Strategic Investment Fund and the Estonian state-backed defence fund SmartCap. The company is currently expanding a joint venture with Rheinmetall Naval Systems and plans to announce additional joint ventures and licensed manufacturing agreements during 2026.
Mal Crease, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kraken Technology Group, said the agreement marks an important step for the company and the Royal Navy. “We are delighted to partner with the MOD to support the Royal Navy’s mission to transform to a hybrid fleet.”
He added that the programme confirms the company’s technological capabilities. “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.”
UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said the contract supports the development of future naval capabilities. “We are building the Royal Navy of the future right now in the face of threats seen around the world.”
Pollard also highlighted the role of autonomous systems in supporting conventional naval forces. “Autonomous vessels will complement our world-class warships, protecting UK waters and helping keep sailors safe on global deployments.”
He emphasised the importance of domestic industrial innovation in the programme. “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’s current portfolio includes several modular maritime platforms designed for different operational roles. These include the K3 SCOUT uncrewed surface vessel variants, the K4 MANTA uncrewed subsurface delivery platform and the K5 KRAKEN maritime precision engagement platform.
