The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract for the procurement of uncrewed surface vessels as part of efforts to transform the Royal Navy into a hybrid maritime force. Under the agreement, Kraken Technology Group will deliver 20 unmanned boats valued at 12.3 million pounds. The vessels are being acquired through Project Beehive and are designed to operate alongside traditional crewed warships. Each system is built with a Modular Open Systems Architecture that enables future upgrades and integration of new technologies. The vessels will be used by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando as experimental platforms for operational training, tactical experimentation, and the development of new maritime warfare concepts. The hybrid fleet strategy was outlined in 2025 by Gwyn Jenkins. The plan involves integrating crewed and autonomous platforms aboard Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. The navy also intends to deploy a jet-powered drone capable of launching from carriers and operating alongside F-35B fighter jets by 2026. Early trials have already demonstrated the potential of autonomous maritime systems. In October 2025, remotely controlled Rattler boats escorted Royal Navy ships during a 72-hour trial off the coast of Scotland, showing how unmanned vessels could support naval missions in the future.
