UK-based defense firm Kraken Technology has partnered with German shipbuilder NVL Group to form a joint venture focused on developing and producing unmanned surface vessels.
The collaboration is designed to meet rising global demand for scalable uncrewed platforms for both defense and civilian missions, including protecting critical infrastructure.
As part of the venture, NVL will expand its naval systems integration expertise, while Kraken leverages NVL’s production capabilities to scale its cost-efficient autonomous technologies.
NVL has already invested in Kraken and holds options for additional funding in late 2025. Manufacturing will be carried out at NVL’s Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg, alongside Kraken’s UK sites, ensuring access to both German and European markets.
Production will begin later this year, starting with smaller boats and expanding to larger autonomous vessels over time.
