Rheinmetall-Kraken’s K3 Scout USV.
Rheinmetall-Kraken Venture Targets Growing Demand for Unmanned Surface Systems: Hamburg: Rheinmetall has announced the start of series production for its unmanned surface vessel (USV), the Kraken K3 Scout, marking a step in the company’s expansion into autonomous naval systems.
The production is being carried out at the historic Blohm+Voss Shipyard, which Rheinmetall is developing into a centre for testing and manufacturing unmanned and autonomous maritime technologies.
Joint venture formalised as Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH
The programme is being delivered through a joint venture between Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division and the UK-based Kraken Technology Group. The partnership, established last year, will now operate under the name Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH.
The collaboration is aimed at addressing growing global demand for unmanned maritime platforms across defence and civilian sectors, particularly as navies and commercial operators look to expand the use of autonomous systems.
Multi-role unmanned vessel for defence and civilian use
The Kraken K3 Scout is an 8.4-metre vessel capable of speeds of up to 55 knots. According to the company, the platform is modular and can be configured for a range of missions, including maritime surveillance, protection of critical infrastructure, and, in military settings, as a weapons carrier.
The system is positioned as a market-ready solution, reflecting a broader shift towards deployable unmanned platforms rather than experimental prototypes.
Production capacity set to scale with demand
Initial production capacity has been set at around 200 units per year, with the potential to scale up significantly depending on demand. Rheinmetall indicated that output could increase to as many as 1,000 units annually if required.
Tim Wagner, head of Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division, said the company is positioning itself to meet increasing operational requirements for autonomous maritime systems. The division operates across five locations in Germany and focuses on naval and coast guard vessels, alongside the development of unmanned technologies.
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Strategic push into autonomous naval systems
The establishment of Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH reflects a broader strategic move by Rheinmetall to expand its presence in the autonomous systems market. By combining its manufacturing and integration capabilities with Kraken Technology Group’s design expertise, the partnership aims to deliver scalable and cost-efficient unmanned solutions.
Mal Crease, chief executive of Kraken Technology Group, said the joint venture brings together industrial scale and technological innovation, enabling production to meet rising demand for such systems.
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Growing demand for unmanned maritime platforms
The launch of series production comes amid increasing interest in unmanned maritime systems globally. These platforms are being adopted for a range of roles, from surveillance and security to logistics and combat support, as operators seek to reduce risk to personnel and improve operational efficiency.
Rheinmetall’s move to scale production at its Hamburg facility signals confidence in the long-term demand for such systems and highlights the growing importance of autonomy in naval operations.
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