Kraken Robotics has completed a series of successful sea tests of its KATFISH towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar system with Elbit Systems.

Elbit Systems has developed an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) named “Seagull”. Seagull is a multi-mission USV platform – including anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures.

These tests are an addition to a successful series of Mine Counter Measures (MCM) tests and exercises conducted by the Seagull over the past two years, including trials and exercises in participation with Western and other Navies.

“Elbit Systems’ Seagull USV is one of the most advanced ocean drones in the world,” said Karl Kenny, Kraken’s president and CEO. “With KATFISH integrated on Elbit’s Seagull USV, the system can provide remotely operated, unmanned, end-to-end mine hunting operations. With KATFISH, these ocean drones can detect very small objects hidden on the seabed and enter confined spaces where underwater explosives are likely to be hidden. Since robotic systems can be remotely operated their use can remove people from very dangerous missions – in essence, taking the sailor out of the minefield. Kraken and Elbit are co-operating on a number of international contract pursuits for KATFISH integrated on the Seagull platform.”