The UK Royal Navy is set to purchase 20 uncrewed boats as it looks to build on its ability to merge both crewed and uncrewed forces.
The contract, worth £12.3 million (US$16.5 million), was won by the Kraken Technology Group, a UK company that specialises in designing and building unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).
The fleet of 20 boats will be used by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and development activities to help set the foundation for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology.
“By integrating cutting-edge autonomous technology with our existing capabilities, we are ensuring that our forces remain at the forefront of maritime innovation and warfighting effectiveness,” said Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Paul Beattie.
The procurement is part of the Royal Navy’s Project Beehive, which intends to deliver a platform to act as a proving ground for future hybrid navy technologies while also providing an immediate operational capability.
"The Kraken USVs will have open architecture for rapid integration of new capabilities to maintain our warfighting edge over our adversaries," added Captain Adam Ballard.