Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Subsea Craft set to begin VICTA trials

Defence Security

Subsea Craft set to begin VICTA trials

Subsea Craft Ltd, a British advanced maritime technology business, is set to begin trials and testing of its pioneering UK-generated surface submersible craft, VICTA, designed to enable the discreet delivery and recovery of divers.

Above: Computer generated impression of dive operators in part submerged VICTA.
Image courtesy Subsea Craft

VICTA is a unique and innovative craft, providing advanced Diver Delivery Unit (DDU). It transits at speed on the surface before diving rapidly to operate submerged. Funded by a private investor to the tune of £12 million, the company is seeking second-stage investment to enhance working capital profiles, strengthen the brand, expand its offering and infiltrate other sectors.Primarily aimed at the defence market,

Advertisement
ODU RT

Its distinctive form combines the characteristics of a Long-Range Insertion Craft (LRIC) with those of a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV). Over the past two years the company has harnessed novel, market-leading technology to bring the vessel to life and VICTA is now in fit-out ahead of comprehensive trials and testing across the summer.

VICTA can reach speeds of up to 40 knots on the surface over a range of 250nm, whilst submerged the craft has an endurance of up to 4 hours - sufficient to cover 25nm with 2 crew and 6 operators.

This unique British maritime technology provides significant operational capability, broadening the options for commanders of Maritime, Joint and Special operations.  Although focused on defence, there is potential utility elsewhere in the leisure, research and offshore energy sectors.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

Scott Verney, CEO said: “In an uncertain world, nations seek an advantage that we can provide with VICTA. It is a game-changing capability that embraces a number of technological firsts, not least a leading-edge fly by wire control system that enables rapid and seamless transition from surface to full submersion in 120 seconds. The design allows for highly flexible deployment in any number of operational environments without recourse to expensive strategic assets.

“Subsea Craft is an agile and adaptive young business formed around a team that views the maritime technology sector through the lens of experience; we work closely with industry-leading partners to deliver an outstanding product and we are on track for trials and testing over the summer, with the aim of having the craft fully operational later this year.”

The Subsea Craft team have a strong commercial, military, technology and engineering background offering unrivalled potential to generate unique products and services for their customers. 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

SubSea Craft expands US presence

Defence

SubSea Craft expands US presence

21 May 2026

British advanced maritime technology company SubSea Craft has announced plans to expand its operations to Virginia Beach in the USA.

BAE Systems

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems' Iain Minton to chair new manufacturing and tech coalition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems' tech specialist Iain Minton has been appointed to chair a new coalition of manufacturing and industrial technology experts helping SMEs tackle the challenges and opportunities created by AI, automation and digital transformation.

Advertisement
ODU RT
British defence unicorns awarded new MoD contracts

Defence Space

British defence unicorns awarded new MoD contracts

21 May 2026

Thirteen British businesses have been awarded contracts of up to £4 million to work with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to boost rapid procurement, drive innovation and deliver advanced technology for UK Armed Forces.

Spectra Group receives first MoD order for GENSS

Defence

Spectra Group receives first MoD order for GENSS

20 May 2026

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd has received its first order from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the recently launched GENSS tactical communications system as a defence unicorn.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB