Kraken Robotics mine-hunting systems operational with European client

ST. JOHN’S — Kraken Robotics Inc. announces the completion of all deliveries and the successful sea acceptance of all systems for its mine-hunting sonar equipment under the Royal Danish Navy Minehunting sonar upgrade program. This contract was signed in September 2020, following a competitive bidding process. Under the contract with the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), Kraken has delivered four complete turnkey mine-hunting systems, with each system consisting of a KATFISH™ towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar, Tentacle® Winch and Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS), topside command and control equipment, and remote operation and monitoring capability for standoff mine-hunting operations.

Starting in 2022, the KATFISH mine-hunting systems were integrated onboard the Royal Danish Navy’s optionally uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), the MSF-class. Kraken worked closely with MCM Denmark operators and workshop technicians as well as skilled local Danish shipyard, JOBI, to install Kraken’s DNV design approved Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS) onto the MSF-class in parallel with the MSF-class planned mid-life refit. Kraken also integrated the KATFISH system with Saab’s Command and Control (C2) software, providing operators with a seamless experience for mission planning and mission monitoring. The inclusion of Kongsberg’s Maritime Broadband Radio (MBR) enables the complete system to operate remotely, streaming full resolution sonar imagery in real-time at ranges exceeding line of sight.

In 2023, Kraken also entered in a 7-year sustainment contract with DALO, with options for two further 7-year extensions, for a total possible 21 years of sustainment. The sustainment program includes regularly scheduled maintenance, repair, and overhaul as well as provision of training and spare parts, and the delivery of regular capability enhancements through software updates. Throughout 2024, Kraken will also be delivering additional spares, including spare towcables and two spare KATFISH towbodies.

Kraken has developed and delivered training programs with the MCM Denmark team, including Onboard Operator, Onboard Maintainer, and Depot Maintainer training certification programs. As of 2024, the Royal Danish Navy will have completed their first full year of KATFISH operations, with an undisclosed large number of operational hours. Commander (Navy) K.P. Hansen, Commanding Officer of MCM Denmark said: “Our operators have been extremely pleased with the performance of the KATFISH system, including the ability for safe automated remote launch and recovery. The addition of this valuable high-resolution, high-speed seabed survey tool to our MCM toolbox has provided our operators with an invaluable capability in seabed warfare. Our mission to provide safety and security in Danish waters has been bolstered by this capability, and we look forward to many years of successful operations with the Kraken systems.”