PORTSMOUTH, UK — The Royal Navy has awarded Saab UK a £15 million contract to supply Sea Giraffe 1X 3D radars for its uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). The radars will be installed on K3 Scout autonomous boats manufactured by Kraken Technology Group to detect, track and classify drones and other airborne threats.
Before the contract award, Saab and Kraken conducted trials both on land and at sea. The tests demonstrated that the integrated system could autonomously detect and track airborne targets in challenging maritime conditions.
The boats will operate independently or alongside crewed warships, extending surveillance coverage and providing early warning of threats to naval vessels, commercial shipping, ports and critical infrastructure.
Sea Giraffe 1X Radar and K3 Scout
The Sea Giraffe 1X is a lightweight 3D radar weighing less than 150 kg. It refreshes its full search volume every second and can detect and track airborne targets, including small drones.
The radar will be fitted to the 8.4-metre K3 Scout, which can reach speeds of 55 knots and travel up to 650 nautical miles. Its modular bay supports payloads weighing up to 600 kg, allowing the Navy to switch between surveillance, counter-drone and strike missions.
Kraken CEO Mal Crease said the modular design allows the Royal Navy to change the boat's mission without modifying the platform. Royal Navy Captain Adam Ballard said the radar would help detect hostile airborne targets earlier and improve operational awareness.
Part of Royal Navy's Hybrid Fleet Programme
The K3 Scout is part of Project BEEHIVE, the Royal Navy's programme for testing and integrating autonomous maritime systems. In March 2026, Kraken received a £12.3 million contract to deliver 20 K3 Scout boats.
The programme supports the UK's wider £1.5 billion investment in developing a hybrid naval force combining crewed and uncrewed vessels.
On November 5, 2026, the Royal Navy commissioned its 1st Autonomous Squadron at Naval Base Portsmouth, establishing a dedicated unit for uncrewed maritime operations.
Andy Fraser, Saab UK's group managing director, said the partnership with Kraken had moved from concept to operational adoption at exceptional speed.
The £15 million contract will support further development and integration of radar-equipped autonomous boats into Royal Navy operations, strengthening the service's ability to deploy crewed warships and autonomous vessels together.
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