Fareham, UK — Kraken Technology Group and Saab UK have integrated Saab’s Giraffe 1X 3D radar onto Kraken’s K3 Scout unmanned surface vessel (USV) and completed sea trials of the prototype.
The system is designed to operate as an autonomous “drone seeker”, providing early warning of airborne threats, including small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to shipping, ports, offshore energy assets and critical national infrastructure.
Giraffe 1X Radar Integration
The Giraffe 1X is installed in the K3 Scout’s modular payload bay. The radar weighs less than 150 kg and refreshes its full search volume every second.
It is designed to detect and track airborne targets in real time, including low, slow and small drones, helicopters, missiles and rockets, as well as artillery and mortar projectiles. Saab has stated that the radar can detect a UAV lighter than a milk carton at about 4 km.
Its instrumented range is typically around 75 km, while a naval variant is listed at approximately 100 km, depending on configuration and target size.
The radar can pass detected target information to other platforms for further action. The integrated system remains at the experimental stage.
Development and Sea Trials
Kraken Technology Group and Saab UK moved the system from the initial concept to a working prototype in less than seven months.
The development included a series of sea trials to assess the radar’s performance in maritime conditions. Both companies are based in Fareham, where the K3 Scout and Giraffe 1X are manufactured.
Kraken Technology Group founder and CEO Mal Crease said the prototype demonstrates the K3 Scout’s ability to integrate mission-relevant payloads and operate in austere maritime environments.
Saab UK Managing Director Andy Fraser described it as a UK-manufactured deployable capability developed in less than seven months.
K3 Scout Specifications
The K3 Scout is an 8.4-metre composite-hulled USV with a 1.93-metre beam, 0.8-metre draught and maximum displacement of 2,500 kg.
It can carry a modular payload of up to 600 kg and is powered by an inboard diesel engine with stern drive. The vessel has a top speed of 55 knots and a range of 650 nautical miles (about 1,200 km) at 25 knots.
Its endurance is listed at up to 30 days, depending on the mission. The vessel can operate fully autonomously or under remote control, either independently or alongside conventional ships.
Royal Navy Procurement and Production
The Royal Navy has ordered 20 K3 Scout vessels under Project Beehive for the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines.
The platform has also been demonstrated in airdrop trials from an A400M aircraft.
Kraken is expanding production at a new 35,000-square-foot facility, with the company targeting production of up to 1,000 vessels per year. The expansion follows a $175 million Series B funding round, which valued the company at $1 billion.
Hybrid Navy Role
The Giraffe 1X-equipped K3 Scout is intended to support the concept of a hybrid navy, in which uncrewed vessels operate alongside conventional surface ships.
By combining the autonomous K3 Scout with the Giraffe 1X radar, the prototype provides a mobile maritime sensing platform intended to extend early-warning and surveillance coverage while keeping crewed vessels away from the initial sensing role.
The system remains experimental following the completed sea trials.
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