Image courtesy Kraken 

The company - which pioneers cost-effective, open-architecture USVs at sea or surveillance, force protection and multidomain operations – will use this funding to support its rapid expansion. This includes the continued development of manufacturing, R&D, international scaling and rapid prototyping. The alignment of sovereign and intergovernmental funding showcases the wide and growing need for scalable, modular maritime systems across NATO. 

 
Kraken’s modular, scalable, production-ready platforms offer a compelling solution – enhancing naval capabilities at lower cost with reduced risk to personnel. Driven by rising global tensions, the growing threat to subsea infrastructure and the need to secure vital sea lanes, Kraken is already delivering scale production orders to NATO countries from its state-of-the-art facilities in Hampshire, which have been supported by recent strategic investments from a range of international private and public organisations. These investments align with a growing shift in global capital markets towards investment across European and British manufacturing.
 
The company’s current lineup includes K3 SCOUT, a high-performance low-cost uncrewed surface vessel designed with a fully modular payload bay. The K3 SCOUT Medium is in use on operational exercises with NATO.
 
Kraken’s range also includes the K4 MANTA, uncrewed surface subsurface capability delivery platforms and K5 KRAKEN, maritime precision engagement gunships. Each is designed for modular deployment across a spectrum of maritime and coastal operations.
 
Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken, said: “As traditional fleets adapt to changing threats, Kraken’s unmanned systems allow for smarter, more efficient use of crewed assets whilst delivering scalable end-user capability at a fraction of the traditional cost point.
 
"The investment received is a powerful vote of confidence in Kraken and its platforms, particularly given the nature of the funds. We look forward to working with the NIF, NSSIF and others as we continue to grow our capabilities and further our mission in partnership with other NATO countries.”
 
Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky, Partner at NATO Innovation Fund, said: “Dispersed and uncrewed maritime systems are vital to ensuring naval superiority and securing Allies' interests in contested waters. Kraken’s cutting-edge technology delivers a force-multiplying edge over traditional fleets, enabling persistent presence and rapid response without putting sailors at risk. We’re proud to back Kraken in strengthening NATO’s maritime posture and delivering decisive, autonomous capabilities across air, land, and especially the sea.”
 
An NSSIF Spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to be investing in Kraken: a modern, innovative and high-performance UK maritime business.”