Kraken Technology wins SOCOM award for novel USVs

The UK’s Kraken Technology has secured a major success with an agreement from the US SOCOM for the development and prototyping of an uncrewed surface and sub-surface vessel. It marks the end of a very successful year for the company. 

BLUF:

• The contract is valued at up to $49 million and enables SOCOM to assess and integrate novel and emerging technologies. 
• The vessel will be able to operate both on and below the surface proving loitering and reconnaissance functions. 

Kraken Technology has been awarded an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement by the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) with a maximum value up to $49 million according to a November 21st press release. 

The OTA will support the development and prototyping of what the company describes as “novel uncrewed surface and subsurface vessel technologies to enhance maritime capabilities for U.S. special operations forces.” The award follows Kraken’s participation in two SOCOM innovation cycles along with the Norwegian and British governments.

The vessels being designed under the agreement will “leverage cutting-edge materials, stealth characteristics, and modular mission payload integration.” The image accompanying the press release shows the K4 Manta, which is capable of surface and sub-surface operations. The K4 is a foiling vessel, which means it uses hydrofoils—wing-like structures mounted beneath the hull—to lift the hull completely out of the water once a certain speed is reached. This can help increase the speed of the craft as well as the smoothness of the ride. 

The K4 Manta is available in a range of lengths from 18ft to 54ft and is designed to carry a variety of payloads. The broad concept of operations appears to be that the vessel would approach on the surface and submerge for the final approach to reduce its profile and hopefully approach unnoticed. The 18ft version has an endurance of seven days, with up to 100 kg of payload, and a top speed of 30 knots. Once in an area, the K4 Manta can be used for reconnaissance or observation. 

• Kraken Technology Group secures sovereign investment – Calibre Defence 
• NVL Kraken: German shipbuilder and British SME set up JV for USVs 
• Applied Intuition UK and Kraken partner on autonomous vessels – Calibre Defence 

The contract marks a significant success for Kraken in what has been a busy and successful year. Already the company has secured investment from the NATO Innovation Fund and the UK’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), signed a partnership with NVL to accelerate production of its vessels, and partnered with Applied Intuition UK in a collaboration that aims to use simulation software to enhance the testing and certification of autonomous surface vessels.

Calibre comment: SF as early adopters

Special operations forces are often early adopters of new or emerging technology. With relatively small and compact structures compared to the main services that they work with, they can make quick procurement decisions and integrate that technology into their operations quite easily. Often, the goal or the hope is that the initial adoption will encourage wider adoption of the system.  

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on November 22nd, 2025. The lead image shows the K4 Manta. Credit: Kraken Technologies.