UK selects Kraken Technologies for Project Beehive USV contract

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) selected UK-based Kraken Technology on 10 March to fulfil its Project Beehive USV (uncrewed surface vessel) requirement. 

Under the GBP12.3 million deal, the company will provide the Royal Navy’s Surface Flotilla (‘SURFLOT’) with a fleet of 20 UK-made K3 Scout modular USVs for training purposes, as well as for warfare, tactic, and capability development. 

Project Beehive is central to the Royal Navy’s hybrid fleet ambitions, with the MoD highlighting its importance in “maintaining operational relevance against peer threats” when the requirement was announced in November. 

Kraken Technology – founded five years ago – demonstrated the K3 Scout during the Royal Navy’s uncrewed trial, Exercise Trident Sprint, in October, positioning it as a: “Low-cost, low-signature, high-performance autonomous USV for use in defence, commercial or humanitarian applications.” 

Kraken Technology was one of 12 suppliers considered for the contract, including large primes BAE Systems, Kongsberg, and L3Harris.  

Commenting on the award, the UK’s Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, said that: “This is innovative technology, developed by an exciting young British company, built right here in Britain, and delivered at pace to keep Britons safe.”  

It comes just months after the company secured a USD49 million contract from the US Special Operations Command to enhance its uncrewed surface and sub-surface capabilities in November.