- Kraken Technology Group received an OTA agreement from U.S. Special Operations Command to develop uncrewed surface and subsurface maritime vessels.
- The company will design and prototype vessels with autonomous navigation, stealth features, and modular payloads for special operations missions.
Kraken Technology Group has secured an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement from U.S. Special Operations Command to design and prototype advanced uncrewed maritime platforms.
On November 21, 2025, Kraken Technology Group announced that it has been awarded an OTA agreement by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The agreement supports the rapid development and prototyping of uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels tailored for U.S. special operations forces.
According to the company, the award will enable Kraken to deliver prototype maritime systems that incorporate advanced materials, stealth features, and modular payload integration. The effort aims to meet operational needs in surveillance, logistics, and direct-action missions across contested coastal environments.
“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 has participated in two prior SOCOM innovation cycles, working alongside government partners from Norway and the United Kingdom. The company says its development model is focused on end-user collaboration, with platforms evolving through direct engagement with special operations personnel.
As noted by Kraken, its uncrewed vessels are being engineered with autonomous navigation systems, low-observable signatures, and a range of scalable sensor and effector configurations. The company’s design philosophy centers on flexible naval architecture and mission-specific modularity to address the demands of modern special operations forces.
The OTA mechanism used by USSOCOM allows for streamlined engagement with non-traditional defense firms like Kraken, accelerating the integration of emerging technologies without the constraints of conventional procurement. This structure supports USSOCOM’s mandate to rapidly field next-generation capabilities.
In its announcement, Kraken emphasized that this partnership reflects a broader transatlantic momentum. The company previously completed NATO’s Task Force X initiative, secured funding from both the NATO Innovation Fund and the UK’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund, and fulfilled defense orders across Europe. Kraken has also integrated with the UK Ministry of Defence on various advanced technology initiatives.
“The OTA award marks a milestone in Kraken’s mission to redefine the operational potential of uncrewed maritime systems for allied nations,” the company said in a statement. Kraken plans to scale its production and expand its export presence, building on both European contracts and this new agreement with USSOCOM.
Company representatives also stated that the agreement reflects growing interest among U.S. and allied forces in fielding smaller, autonomous maritime platforms designed for flexible mission sets in near-shore and denied-access areas.