USSOCOM Awards OTA to Support Next-Gen Uncrewed Surface & Subsurface Vessels

Kraken Technology Group has been awarded an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to support the rapid development of novel uncrewed surface and subsurface vessel technologies.

The agreement aims to enhance maritime capabilities for U.S. special operations forces through the design, development, and delivery of prototype vessels. These platforms are planned to leverage cutting-edge materials, stealth characteristics, and modular mission payload integration.

Kraken, a British company specializing in advanced maritime platform innovation, has previously participated successfully in two SOCOM innovation cycles alongside the Norwegian and United Kingdom Governments. The company states that its success is based on end-user driven technology, achieved by iterating platforms in close collaboration with operators.

Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken, commented, “We are honoured to partner with USSOCOM in support of its mission to field disruptive maritime capabilities. This OTA represents a validation of our technology roadmap and underscores the critical need for next-generation uncrewed platforms that deliver superior agility, survivability, and operational versatility in the maritime domain.”

The new vessels will combine advanced naval architecture with mission-driven design, tailored to the unique challenges of special operations. The uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels will feature autonomous navigation, low-observable technologies, and scalable sensor and effector options.
This technology is intended to support Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), logistics, and direct-action missions across contested littoral environments.

The OTA mechanism allows USSOCOM to quickly assess and integrate emerging technologies from non-traditional defense innovators, ensuring that U.S. forces maintain a decisive edge in complex operational theaters.

The award marks a key milestone in Kraken’s cross-continent expansion. The company has already established its presence in Europe by completing NATO’s Task Force X, attracting funding from the NATO Innovation Fund and the British Business Bank’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund, fulfilling large-scale orders across Europe’s NATO countries, and integrating with the UK Ministry of Defence.

Kraken aims to use this momentum to continue scaling up its operations to supply mission-ready maritime capabilities to the UK and its allies globally.