Kraken Robotics has announced the successful demonstration of its KATFISH Unmanned Surface Vessel Launch and Recovery System (USV-LARS) from TKMS ATLAS UK’s 11-meter ARCIMS USV. The combined systems offer a comprehensive autonomous survey package for maritime security missions, including mine countermeasure operations and critical underwater infrastructure inspection. Together, ARCIMS and KATFISH USV-LARS provide the industry’s first air-deployable, 300-meter depth-rated autonomous towed synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) survey system.
“With the surge in unmanned systems for defence, naval forces need the best technology available to protect national security,” said Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics. “Our USV-LARS allows small naval platforms to collect KATFISH’s high-resolution SAS data, significantly increasing their capabilities and acting as force multipliers.”
The LARS footprint was designed to fit ATLAS UK’s ARCIMS common deck interface, enabling rapid re-role and seamless integration with the platform. Sea state three conditions were encountered during operations, demonstrating the system’s robustness and readiness for real-world naval environments.
This joint integration marks a major step forward in delivering agile, modular, and cost-effective mine countermeasure capabilities for modern naval operations. By combining ARCIMS’ proven USV with Kraken’s towed SAS and recovery system, navies can deploy advanced technologies faster and more efficiently, strengthening maritime security in increasingly complex environments.
The system was demonstrated off the coast of Portland, UK, on November 18–19 for NATO navies. Attendees witnessed the ARCIMS USV autonomously navigate and plan missions while the KATFISH towed system collected high-resolution SAS and bathymetric surveys in very shallow water. Data was live-streamed via satellite to a shore-based command center, enabling real-time contact classification.
Wesley Galliver, Head of Surface Ship Systems Division at TKMS ATLAS UK, said: “This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when innovation and collaboration come together. Integrating ARCIMS with KATFISH and LARS in such a compressed timeframe sets a new benchmark for delivering operational capability to our customers.”
