PORTSMOUTH, England — Shield AI and Kraken Technology Group have demonstrated two uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) operating together on an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission off the southern coast of England.
The trial was Shield AI’s first maritime autonomy demonstration in the United Kingdom and used the company’s Hivemind AI software on Kraken’s K3 SCOUT vessels.
Coordinated Autonomous Maritime Mission
During the demonstration, the two USVs searched a designated area using onboard radar, electro-optical cameras and Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to build a shared operational picture.
After detecting and classifying a vessel of interest, Hivemind automatically adjusted the mission plan. The two K3 SCOUTs tracked and escorted the vessel out of the operating area before returning to their original search patterns.
The demonstration showed how multiple autonomous vessels can operate as a coordinated team, sharing sensor data and adjusting their movements without requiring operators to manually steer each vessel or process every sensor feed.
Human operators retained decision-making authority, while the autonomy system handled navigation, collision avoidance and sensor processing.
“This collaboration with Kraken demonstrates how Hivemind enables autonomous maritime teams to operate as part of a larger, distributed force,” said Christian Gutierrez, Shield AI’s senior vice president of Hivemind.
K3 SCOUT Specifications and Capabilities
The K3 SCOUT is an 8.4-meter composite-hulled USV capable of speeds of up to 55 knots and carrying a 600-kilogram payload in its configurable bay.
Its modular design supports missions including logistics, search and rescue, survey, ISR, strike and other kinetic tasks.
The vessel has a range of about 650 nautical miles at 25 knots and can operate for up to 30 days, depending on the mission. It uses an inboard diesel engine with stern-drive propulsion.
“K3 SCOUT was designed to be a fully modular and interoperable capability; the successful integration of Hivemind onto K3 SCOUT further validates our technology,” said Mal Crease, Kraken’s chief executive and founder.
Royal Navy Project BEEHIVE
Kraken recently delivered 20 K3 SCOUT vessels to the UK Royal Navy under Project BEEHIVE, a £12.3 million programme.
The vessels are intended for the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and capability development.
Further Trials Planned
Shield AI and Kraken plan to conduct further trials with UK and NATO partners over the coming year, focusing on autonomous swarm operations in contested electronic environments.
The Portsmouth trial expands Hivemind’s use from aviation into maritime operations.
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