Kraken Technology Group has secured a $49 million cap Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to accelerate the development of uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels. The British company announced the deal from its headquarters in Fareham on 21 November 2025, underscoring its growing role in advancing maritime technology for elite military forces.
This agreement marks a significant milestone for Kraken, which has already completed two SOCOM innovation cycles in collaboration with Norwegian and UK government partners. The process has been characterised by close collaboration with end users, ensuring that the technology meets the real-world demands of special operations.
The new OTA is set to propel Kraken’s efforts to reshape uncrewed maritime systems through advanced materials, stealth features, and modular payloads. “We are honoured to partner with USSOCOM in support of its mission to field disruptive maritime capabilities,” said Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken. “This OTA represents a validation of our technology roadmap and underscores the critical need for next-generation uncrewed platforms that deliver superior agility, survivability, and operational versatility in the maritime domain.”
Kraken’s technological advancements are not limited to the U.S. The company has strengthened its presence in Europe by completing NATO’s Task Force X, securing funding from the NATO Innovation Fund and the British Business Bank’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund, and delivering major orders across NATO nations. This momentum, coupled with its integration with the UK Ministry of Defence, positions Kraken for global expansion and deeper partnerships following the USSOCOM award.
The uncrewed vessels developed under this agreement will feature autonomous navigation, low-observable design, and scalable sensors and effectors. These capabilities will support intelligence, logistics, and direct-action missions in contested littoral regions. Kraken’s approach combines advanced naval architecture with mission-driven engineering to meet the demanding requirements of special operations.
USSOCOM’s use of the OTA framework allows for the rapid assessment and adoption of emerging technologies from non-traditional defence suppliers. Kraken intends to continue its cross-continent growth, delivering mission-ready maritime capabilities to the UK and allied partners.
This deal is more than a contract—it’s a vote of confidence in Kraken’s vision for the future of uncrewed maritime systems. As military forces worldwide seek to enhance their capabilities in contested environments, the demand for advanced, versatile, and stealthy platforms is only set to grow. Kraken’s collaboration with USSOCOM could set a new benchmark for innovation in the defence sector, driving the development of next-generation technologies that will shape the future of maritime operations.