Kraken Robotics Secures Major Contract for Advanced Minehunting Systems

Kraken Robotics has successfully secured a notable contract with the Government of Canada to supply Remote Minehunting and Disposal Systems (RMDS) for the Department of National Defense (DND).

Contract Overview and Duration

This agreement encompasses an estimated acquisition timeline of 24 months, followed by an initial five-year Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) program. This program includes options for additional equipment, spare parts, training, and technical assistance.

Deployment across Canada

Kraken will provide these advanced minehunting and disposal systems to His Majesty’s Royal Canadian Navy, with deployments planned for both the East Coast in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the West Coast in Esquimalt, British Columbia.

Components of the RMDS

The RMDS features two categories of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Light Weight AUVs and Operator Portable AUVs, all integrated with Kraken’s AquaPix synthetic aperture sonar technology. Additionally, the system includes various Combat-variant and Training-variant Mine Disposal Systems (MDS), a Transportable command Center (TCC), and a Computer-Based Trainer (CBT).

Collaborative Partnerships

Kraken is collaborating with several key partners for this initiative,including Kongsberg maritime Canada,which supplies HII’s Mission Technologies Division’s REMUS AUV,and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Canada (tkMS),which provides the SEAFOX mine disposal vehicles. SH Defense will contribute with their modular multi-mission module system, ‘The Cube,’ serving as a transportable command center and launch/recovery facility.

Statements from Leadership

“This is a monumental achievement not just for the Kraken team, recognized for pioneering minehunting technologies, but also a proud moment for our Canadian workforce. The delivery of Kraken’s RMDS will equip Canada with a top-tier mine-hunting and disposal capability, fostering enhanced collaboration with our NATO allies through shared technology platforms,” stated Karl Kenny, President and CEO of Kraken. “This program builds on our success in supplying underwater sensors and platforms to various NATO navies, including those of the US, UK, Australia, Denmark, and Poland. We are eager to extend our proven capabilities to the Royal Canadian Navy.”

Nick Burchill, VP Sales at Kongsberg Maritime Canada Ltd, remarked, “This state-of-the-art system will empower the Canadian Armed Forces to safely identify and neutralize underwater threats without the need to enter potentially hazardous minefields. Ensuring the safety of sea lines of interaction during crises is vital for the global economy.”

Duane Fotheringham, President of the Unmanned Systems division at HII’s Mission Technologies, added, “We are excited to be part of the Kraken team, delivering this exceptional mine-hunting capability to the Royal Canadian Navy. Our latest REMUS 300s are the most advanced man-portable AUVs available today.”

Rick Gerbrecht, President & CEO of tkMS Canada, expressed, “We are delighted to collaborate with Kraken to provide the RCN with our combat-proven SEAFOX Mine Disposal Vehicle, currently in service with 12 navies across over 70 platforms. The SEAFOX is user-amiable, requires minimal readiness, and operates with high safety and efficiency, serving as a significant force multiplier in mine warfare.”

René Bertelsen, CEO of SH Defence, stated, “We are honored that our modular multi-mission module system, ‘The Cube,’ has been chosen by Kraken as the new transportable command center for the RMDS. This modular approach will not only facilitate interoperability between RCN platforms but also with allied nations, supporting the RCN’s future maritime operations and warfare capabilities.”

Contract Details and Financial Implications

The formal signing of the contract and the commencement of the Acquisition program are scheduled for January 2023. Should all options in the Acquisition and ILS programs be exercised, the total contract value is expected to exceed $50 million, with approximately $40 million allocated for Acquisition and $10 million for ILS.

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