The Kraken Technology Group and Saab UK have conducted sea trials of a prototype autonomous unmanned surface vehicle (USV) carrying a lightweight 3D radar, the companies said on Monday, October 5.
The prototype combines a Kraken USV with Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar installed in its modular payload bay. The companies said the system is intended to identify and follow aerial threats, including small targets, and provide early warning for vessels and port facilities, offshore energy assets and critical national infrastructure.
Saab UK Managing Director Andy Fraser said Saab UK and Kraken moved from the initial concept to a functioning prototype in under seven months. Several sea trials evaluated radar performance in maritime conditions.
The companies said the vessel can work on its own or in conjunction with conventional surface vessels. Its proposed role will extend airborne threat detection without adding another crewed vessel.
The prototype is a sensor-only platform, intended to pass target tracks to other platforms for engagement rather than engage threats itself.
The USV is 8.4 metres long with a beam of 1.93 metres, a draught of 0.8 metres, and a maximum displacement of 2,500 kg. The craft has a payload capacity of 600 kg.
The USV can reach a maximum speed of 55 knots and sail up to 650 nautical miles at 25 knots. Endurance is listed as up to 30 days, depending on the mission, with payloads configurable for different tasks.
Kraken also took part in a separate USV demonstration in Portsmouth in September 2026. Two boats used Shield AI’s autonomy software for a coordinated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission.