Saab awarded Royal Navy radar contract for autonomous counter-drone capability
The Royal Navy has awarded Saab a £15 million contract for its Sea Giraffe 1X radar system as part of the development of an autonomous "drone seeker" capability first unveiled earlier this year.
The contract will see the Royal Navy buy several of Saab’s industry leading Counter-UAS radar systems for integration with Kraken Technology’s autonomous K3 Scout Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). The capability was on display at the Royal Navy’s recent commissioning of its first Autonomous Squadron, featured as part of the service’s developing Hybrid Fleet.
This new capability is designed to provide persistent surveillance and early warning against emerging aerial threats in maritime environments, helping to protect naval assets, commercial shipping, ports, and critical national infrastructure. Operating independently or alongside conventional naval vessels, the system offers the potential to extend surveillance coverage, provide early warning of airborne threats and support force protection missions across a range of operational environments.
The award follows a successful programme of development and shore and sea-based trials conducted by Saab UK and Kraken, where the experimental system demonstrated its ability to detect, track and classify airborne targets while operating autonomously in challenging maritime conditions.
Under the contract, the system will be further matured and integrated into Royal Navy operations as part of the UK's wider vision for a hybrid navy, combining crewed and autonomous platforms to deliver greater operational flexibility and resilience.
“When we unveiled this capability earlier this year, we highlighted its potential to transform how maritime operators address the rapidly evolving drone threat. Today's contract award supports that vision and demonstrates how Saab helps our customers to embracing innovative autonomous technologies that strengthen national security. Together with Kraken, we have moved from concept to operational adoption at an exceptional speed. We are proud to support the Royal Navy in delivering a world-leading capability that will help protect critical assets at sea and ashore," said Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director of Saab UK.
“The Royal Navy is continuing to develop our USVs with cutting edge capabilities. Project BEEHIVE has taken its first major step in integrating complex payloads. The K3 – Sea Giraffe 1X combination will allow us to deliver an air surveillance picture up threat allowing early detection of hostile air tracks for subsequent engagement” said Captain Adam Ballard, Royal Navy Deputy Commander Surface Flotilla.
“K3 Scout was designed from the outset to integrate with mission-ready payloads. Our modular bay allows the Royal Navy to re-role the boat rapidly for surveillance, counter-drone or strike, without changing the underlying platform. Giraffe 1X adds proven counter-UAS radar to our range of payloads and is one of many we’re developing with our partners.” Said Mal Crease, CEO and Founder, Kraken Technology Group.
The programme supports the UK Government's ambition to strengthen sovereign defence capability and accelerate the adoption of advanced autonomous technologies across the Armed Forces.