Leidos Unveils "Sea Dagger" – A Trailblazing Commando Insertion Craft for the Royal Navy

London, September 4, 2025 — U.S. defence technology leader Leidos has officially introduced the Sea Dagger, a next-generation Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) designed to revolutionize Royal Navy and UK Commando Force operations. This groundbreaking vessel is the first of its class to combine exceptional speed, range, vehicle delivery, and modular mission systems in one agile platform.

Key Features & Capabilities

• High Speed & Long Range
  Sea Dagger is designed to exceed 40 knots, providing the agility needed for swift, long-range deployment of Commando Strike teams and equipment in contested environments.

• Multi-Mission Flexibility
  The vessel is capable of carrying mobility platforms, offboard systems, and combat loads, offering unmatched versatility for both training and frontline operations under the UK Commando Force programme.

• Advanced Technologies
  Built on more than three decades of fast-craft design expertise, Sea Dagger integrates Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems, modern sensors, C2 networks, and integrated weaponry—allowing it to adapt seamlessly to modern maritime threats.

• Operational Resilience
  With a focus on maintainability, repairability, and survivability, the craft is engineered to continue functioning even under disruption, stress, or direct attack.

Strategic Alignment

Sea Dagger is being developed under the UK Commando Force (UKCF) modernisation programme, which will deliver 24 advanced medium surface insertion craft. It is aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review, both of which emphasise future-readiness, autonomy, and enhanced lethality.

The Royal Navy’s upcoming Multi-Role Strike Ships (MRSS) are expected to accommodate vessels like Sea Dagger, enabling rapid launch from well docks and supporting future mission modules such as autonomous systems and drone operations.

Industry View

Adam Clarke, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive of Leidos UK & Europe, described the project as a game-changer:

“Sea Dagger represents a pivotal step in equipping the UK Commando Force with the capability to operate with greater agility, survivability and intent in a complex and congested maritime environment. It is a resilient, future-ready platform that adapts to the complexities of modern warfare, ensuring operational advantage from day one.”

Why It Matters

The unveiling of Sea Dagger marks a significant evolution in naval warfare and rapid-response operations:

• Bridges the gap between traditional landing craft and future autonomous strike vessels.

• Equips specialised forces with a stealthy, resilient, and highly adaptable platform.

• Reinforces the UK’s commitment to AUKUS-driven naval innovation and next-generation maritime dominance.

As the UKCF programme progresses, Sea Dagger stands as a bold step forward in redefining maritime strike capability—blending speed, autonomy, and mission adaptability for 21st-century conflict.