Kraken Robotics, in conjunction with TKMS ATLAS UK, presented its KATFISH USV-LARS autonomous launch and recovery system integrated into an ARCIMS USV vessel currently in service with the Royal Navy.
System integration of the KATFISH USV-LARS system
The KATFISH USV-LARS was deployed off the coast of Portland, UK, from an 11-meter ARCIMS , a modular, self-contained platform designed by ATLAS UK. The integration of Kraken’s synthetic aperture towed sonar enables the ARCIMS to perform mine countermeasure and underwater infrastructure inspection with superior efficiency.
This system has the capability to operate at depths of up to 300 meters, collecting 3 cm x 3 cm resolution data via real-time SAS sonar. This makes it an ARCIMS-KATFISH, and the first deployable and fully autonomous airborne solution in its category, offering capabilities previously limited to much larger platforms.
During the demonstration, held Nov. 18-19, 2025, real operational scenarios were simulated in front of observers from NATO naval forces. The ARCIMS USV sailed autonomously and executed scheduled missions while the KATFISH system collected bathymetric data in shallow water. All information was transmitted live via satellite to the shore-based command center for immediate analysis and classification.
Tests were conducted in sea state three conditions, validating the system’s stability in demanding operational environments. The automated recovery capability of the KATFISH from small platforms multiplies the strategic value of these vessels for missions in hazardous areas.
The compatibility of the LARS system with the ATLAS UK common deck interface allows for rapid reconfiguration of the ARCIMS platform. On the other hand, the integration times, as evidenced by the fact that the system was prepared, tested and demonstrated in only two weeks.
Kraken Robotics president and CEO Greg Reid highlighted that this technology extends the operational reach of smaller naval units by allowing them to access advanced underwater reconnaissance capabilities without compromising the safety of their crews.
For his part, Wesley Galliver, head of surface ship systems at TKMS ATLAS UK, noted that the collaboration between the two teams enabled efficient integration to be achieved in record time, setting a new standard in the delivery of naval operational capabilities.
Source and photo: Kraken Robotics