British K3 SCOUT USV Gets Radar for UAV Detection

Kraken and Saab UK have integrated a Giraffe 1X radar onto the K3 SCOUT uncrewed surface vessel to detect drones.

Saab shared that the radar is embedded into the vessel’s modular bay.

The Giraffe 1X is intended to provide enhanced early warning of airborne threats, detecting even small aerial targets at considerable distances.

The radar can identify aerial targets at ranges of up to 75 kilometers. It is designed to detect and track aerial targets, including drones, in real time.

Kraken and Saab UK went from concept to a working prototype in just a few months.

The prototype can operate autonomously or alongside conventional surface vessels. This expands surveillance and early-warning capabilities without requiring an additional crewed platform.

K3 SCOUT

The vessel is 8.4 meters long, 1.93 meters wide, has a draft of 0.8 meters, and a maximum displacement of 2,500 kg.

It is powered by a diesel engine with a stern drive and can reach speeds of up to 55 knots (more than 100 km/h). It has a range of 650 nautical miles at a speed of 25 knots and an endurance of up to 30 days, depending on the mission.

The maximum payload is 600 kg, while the hull is made of composite materials to reduce weight and signature.

The K3 SCOUT is designed using stealth technologies and supports both fully autonomous operation and remote control by an operator.

The platform runs on the open-architecture Auterion operating system, allowing third-party systems, sensors, and weapons to integrate without major design changes.

In July, Kraken and Capewell carried out the world’s first airdrop of a K3 SCOUT uncrewed surface vessel from a military transport aircraft into the water.