Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
Taba, an ex-USN Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate now in Egyptian Navy service, in the foreground with French Navy vessel in background. (Photo: Egyptian MoD)
VSE Corporation has received a $85.99 million increase to its IDIQ FMS contract to provide maintenance support for various Egyptian Navy vessels.
The DoD revealed on 16 August that the ceiling increase is necessary to support an urgent sole-source delivery order in support of Egyptian Navy MRO plans for four Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, four fast missile craft and two coastal minehunters.
Some 80% of the work will be completed outside the US ‘based on delivery orders as assigned’, the DoD added.
Work is expected to be completed by March 2023.
Shephard reported in July 2019 that VSE was providing engineering services support via FMS to the Egyptian Navy for Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, fast missile craft, coastal minehunters and 25m and 28m Fast Patrol Craft.
A further $41.58 million FMS order for VSE in July 2021 covers work until July 2023.
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.
US military authorities claim to have sunk 20 Iranian vessels and destroyed Tehran’s Air Force, with the Pentagon making plans to send additional assets to the region.
The recent naval modernisation efforts by the Hellenic Navy have been bolstered by the acquisition of advanced Naval Group frigates, the first of which was delivered in December 2025 and is now playing a crucial role in the latest Middle East conflict.