German defense giant Rheinmetall has launched serial production of the Kraken K3 Scout naval drone, positioned as a cost-effective solution for a wide range of missions. These include protection of critical infrastructure, surveillance, and strike operations when equipped with weapons.
The Kraken K3 Scout will be produced through a joint venture between Rheinmetall Naval Systems and the UK-based Kraken Technology, the company reports. Notably, Rheinmetall’s naval division is a relatively recent addition, formed after the acquisition of the shipbuilding company Naval Vessels Lürssen. Production of these drones is taking place at one of its shipyards, Blohm+Voss.
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The declared production rate is around 200 units per year, with the potential to scale up to 1,000 annually depending on demand. Rheinmetall has not disclosed the launch customer.
However, this gap can be partially addressed. In March, Kraken Technology announced it had won a UK Ministry of Defence tender for the supply of 20 naval drones worth £12.3 million (approximately $16.4 million). This places the unit cost at about $821,000. If no additional contracts have been signed, Rheinmetall’s production ambitions may currently exceed actual procurement demand.
The Kraken K3 Scout is the smallest of three variants in the family. It measures 8.4 meters in length and has a maximum displacement of 2,500 kg, with a payload capacity of up to 600 kg. Its top speed reaches 55 knots (about 100 km/h), while cruising speed is around 25 knots (46 km/h), enabling a range of up to 650 nautical miles (approximately 1,200 km). Endurance is claimed to reach 30 days.
Available imagery suggests that satellite communications, likely using systems such as Starlink, are used for control. The drone is equipped with a stabilized camera mounted on the superstructure. Weapons are expected to be housed internally.
The exact armament configuration has not been disclosed. However, one image indicates the possible integration of a launcher for three Brimstone missiles.
In terms of concept, the Kraken K3 Scout closely mirrors maritime unmanned platforms that have already proven highly effective in Ukraine. The development of this system, as well as the UK’s decision to procure it, appears strongly influenced by Ukrainian combat experience.
From the Defense Express side, we urge readers to join a fundraiser for a solution that is already proving effective: the One United Fundraiser, organized by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to support interceptor drones.
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