British defense contractor Kraken Technology and Germany’s NVL Group have created a joint venture to accelerate the design and production of unmanned surface vessels.
The partnership seeks to address growing international demand for versatile, uncrewed platforms serving military and civilian needs, such as safeguarding vital infrastructure.
Under the arrangement, NVL will enhance its shipbuilding and integration expertise, while Kraken benefits from NVL’s large-scale production knowledge to expand its autonomous systems.
With NVL already invested in Kraken and positioned to take part in another funding round in late 2025, manufacturing will be based at NVL’s Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg and supported by Kraken’s UK facilities.
The consortium plans to roll out a portfolio of autonomous craft, starting with small vessels and progressing to larger platforms, with initial production slated to start this year.
