Partners Develop Autonomous Security USV for Maritime Drone Detection

Kraken Technology Group and Saab UK have developed and tested an experimental autonomous ‘drone seeker’ vessel designed to extend sensing and early-warning capabilities across maritime environments.

The prototype pairs Kraken’s K3 SCOUT, a high-performance modular uncrewed surface vessel (USV), with Saab UK’s Giraffe 1X, a lightweight 3D radar designed to detect and track airborne threats in real time. Integrated directly into the modular payload bay of the K3 SCOUT, the Giraffe 1X radar provides enhanced early warning by detecting small aerial targets at extended ranges. Both systems are manufactured in Fareham, UK, where both companies maintain operations.

The development moved from concept to a working prototype in less than seven months, incorporating a series of sea trials to evaluate radar performance in maritime conditions. The integration highlights how the modular architecture of the K3 SCOUT allows new sensors and mission payloads to be rapidly deployed at sea, offering protection for shipping, ports, offshore energy assets, and critical national infrastructure.

Capable of operating independently or alongside conventional surface warships, the autonomous system illustrates the practical application of a ‘hybrid navy’ structure. By delegating air domain surveillance to an uncrewed platform, fleet sensing and threat detection can be extended without requiring additional crewed ships.

Mal Crease, CEO and Founder, Kraken Technology Group, said, “Kraken and Saab UK’s prototype “drone seeker” vessel is exactly what the K3 SCOUT was designed to do: integrate with mission-relevant payloads to then operate in austere maritime environments.”

Andy Fraser, Managing Director, Saab UK, added, “This is a pioneering, UK manufactured, deployable capability, that together with Kraken we’ve developed in less than seven months. This reflects the strength of our partnership, the maturity and flexibility of our respective technologies, and our ability to respond at pace to the evolving threat landscape and needs of our customers.”

To support expanding allied demand for maritime defence capabilities, Kraken is scaling production to 1,000 vessels per year at its new 35,000 sq ft facility, supported by a recent $175m Series B funding raise and a $1bn valuation.