Oslo, Norway – Norwegian maritime technology company Kongsberg Maritime has unveiled the Arctic Hunter, a new 56-metre uncrewed surface vessel (USV) proposed for the UK Royal Navy’s Type 92 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) programme. The vessel is designed to provide persistent submarine-detection capabilities in the challenging waters of the High North.
The Arctic Hunter is based on an existing commercial Arctic-class vessel design originally developed for fishing operations. Kongsberg has adapted the platform with remote and autonomous technologies for military operations. It is designed for missions lasting up to 60 days and would operate from forward support bases inside the Arctic Circle, working alongside crewed warships and other naval assets.
Sonar and Autonomous Capabilities
The vessel is planned to carry Thales UK’s sovereign submarine-hunting sonar and secure military communication systems. Its large deck space and payload capacity will also allow additional or alternative mission equipment to be installed for future requirements.
Kongsberg Maritime describes Arctic Hunter as a remotely operated vessel with autonomous functions. Shore-based personnel will supervise key maritime operations, while military effects will remain under human control.
Its uncrewed vessel technology has already received flag-state approval from the Norwegian Maritime Authority and certification from classification society DNV, covering requirements for operating large uncrewed offshore vessels.
UK Production and Industrial Partnership
Kongsberg Maritime is working with UK shipbuilding partner Balaena Maritime to support production. The vessel hulls are planned to be built at Balaena’s shipyard in Birkenhead, UK, before military systems are integrated. If selected, the programme aims to prepare the vessels for operational deployment by the end of the decade.
Kongsberg also plans to sign technology collaboration agreements with Thales UK and Balaena Maritime during this week's Atlantic Future Forum in Oslo. The agreements aim to strengthen industrial cooperation between Norway and the UK and support skilled jobs in both countries.
Supporting NATO’s Arctic Security
The Arctic Hunter proposal supports the Lunna House Agreement, through which the UK and Norway aim to strengthen defence cooperation and advance NATO's adoption of autonomous systems in the High North.
Kongsberg Maritime CEO Lisa Edvardsen Haugan said the platform would address the growing need for additional submarine-detection capabilities. She also highlighted the company's more than 50 years of experience designing vessels for Arctic operations, alongside its remote and autonomous technologies.
The vessel is also being considered as a potential platform for other NATO members and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) countries. However, no production contract has been awarded, and Arctic Hunter remains a proposed solution for the Royal Navy’s Type 92 requirement under the wider Atlantic Bastion hybrid fleet concept.
——— End of Article ———