Kraken Robotics Inc., a leading provider of subsea intelligence solutions, has announced a significant technological achievement with the successful integration and demonstration of its KATFISH towed synthetic aperture sonar and autonomous launch and recovery system from SEFINE's RD-22 unmanned surface vessel. This groundbreaking demonstration, conducted in coordination with SEFINE SISAM, took place during the first quarter of 2026 in the waters off İstanbul, Türkiye, marking a pivotal advancement in maritime defense capabilities.
Enhancing Maritime Security with Autonomous Technology
The demonstration focused on the rapid detection and classification of mine-like objects and critical underwater infrastructure, with attendance from several navies and government organizations. KATFISH delivered exceptional data resolution of 3 cm x 3 cm at a range of 200 meters per side, which was live-streamed to an onshore command center. This enabled real-time classification of contacts by operators using SEFINE SISAM's mission planning software, showcasing the system's operational effectiveness in complex maritime environments.
Strategic Importance for Naval Operations
Bernard Mills, Executive Vice President of Defence at Kraken Robotics, emphasized the critical role of autonomous mine countermeasure capabilities in today's geopolitical landscape. "Recent developments underscore the importance of safeguarding critical maritime transit routes and underwater infrastructure, and autonomous mine countermeasure capabilities like KATFISH can play an important role in helping navies efficiently detect and classify mine-like objects," Mills stated. "By combining SEFINE's multi-role USV with Kraken's cutting-edge KATFISH and USV LARS, navies can deploy advanced technologies faster and more efficiently, strengthening defence and maritime security in increasingly complex environments."
Building on Previous Successes
This demonstration follows a previous integration where the same KATFISH and USV LARS were successfully demonstrated from a UK Royal Navy in-service 11-meter ARCIMS USV in November 2025. These joint integrations represent a major step forward in delivering agile, modular, and cost-effective mine countermeasure capabilities for modern naval operations, highlighting Kraken Robotics' commitment to innovation in defense technology.
About Kraken Robotics Inc.
Kraken Robotics Inc. is transforming subsea intelligence through its comprehensive portfolio of 3D imaging sensors, power solutions, and robotic systems. The company's products and services enable clients to overcome challenges in ocean environments safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Kraken's synthetic aperture sonar, sub-bottom imaging, and LiDAR systems offer best-in-class resolution, providing critical insights into ocean safety, infrastructure, and geology. Additionally, their revolutionary pressure-tolerant batteries deliver high energy density power for unmanned underwater vehicles and subsea energy storage applications.
Headquartered in Canada with offices across North America, South America, and Europe, Kraken Robotics supports clients in more than 30 countries worldwide. In a recent strategic move, the company announced on March 3, 2026, the acquisition of Covelya Group Limited, a leading international provider of mission-critical underwater technology solutions. This acquisition, expected to close during the second quarter of 2026 subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, will further strengthen Kraken's position in the global maritime technology market through Covelya's subsidiary companies including Sonardyne International Ltd., EIVA A/S, and Voyis Imaging Inc.
