Applied Intuition UK and Kraken partner on autonomous vessels

Applied Intuition UK and Kraken Technology Group announced a partnership in the lead-up to DSEI UK 2025 that is intended to accelerate the development of autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) for both military and civilian use. The collaboration aims to use simulation software to enhance the testing and certification of these vessels, a September 4 press release explained.

Applied Intuition UKwill provide its Axion Sim software to Kraken Technology Group, which designs and manufactures ASVs from its headquarters in Fareham, Hampshire. Axion Sim is a simulation tool used to model and test the behaviour of autonomous systems in a virtual environment. The software can replicate complex operating conditions, including dynamic sea states, sun glare, and sea spray, which are critical factors for the safe performance of unmanned vessels.

Kraken Technology Group, which has delivered ASVs to several allied nations, will use the simulation data to improve autonomous operations across its fleet. This is particularly relevant for operating in challenging maritime conditions.

The partnership focuses on dual-use solutions, which are products or technologies designed for both civilian and military applications. By combining Applied Intuition UK’s simulation tools with Kraken Technology Group’s maritime engineering expertise, the companies intend to create mission-ready autonomous vessels for defence and commercial purposes.

The announcement follows Applied Intuition UK’s recent establishment of a London office, with the announced plan to offer its Axion software and autonomy stack to the UK. Kraken has also secured additional funding from the NATO Innovation Fund, the UK’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund, and European venture capital firm Superangel. And, more recently, announced a joint venture with NVL, a shipyard in Germany, to increase production of ASVs. 

Calibre comment

Digital simulation and modelling is rapidly becoming a valuable tool for defence companies. It allows them to test many elements of a system and predict what might work well and what will not. This can be used to further refine and improve a design, or to test modifications to see how they affect performance. Autonomous navigation at sea can be relatively straightforward, as maritime navigation has a clear set of rules that an autonomous vessel can be taught. The Mayflower autonomous ship, which operated on a set of algorithms and programmes from IBM, for instance, sailed from the UK to North America in 2022. This was completed after two years of development and training of the algorithms. Working in a simulated environment may help to reduce the time taken for Kraken to reach a more capable autonomous solution, which could help secure business in the UK and elsewhere. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 16, 2025. Credit for the lead image is Kraken Technologies.