Kraken Robotics advances mine countermeasure capability with USV-based KATFISH trial

Kraken Robotics Inc., Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, reported the successful demonstration of its KATFISH towed synthetic aperture sonar integrated with an autonomous launch and recovery system (LARS) deployed from an unmanned surface vessel (USV), marking another step in the development of remote mine countermeasure capabilities.

The demonstration, conducted in the first quarter of 2026 off Istanbul, Turkey, paired Kraken’s KATFISH system with SEFINE’s RD-22 USV in coordination with SEFINE SISAM (Strategic Unmanned Systems Research Center). The trial focused on the detection and classification of mine-like objects and subsea infrastructure, with participation from multiple navies and government organizations.

KATFISH delivered imagery at a resolution of approximately 1.2 in. by 1.2 in. (3 cm by 3 cm) with a swath range of about 656’ per side (200 meters). Data was streamed in real time to an onshore command center, allowing operators to classify targets using SEFINE SISAM’s mission planning software.

Kraken said the integration demonstrates how autonomous systems can be combined with multi-role USVs to support mine countermeasure missions without requiring crewed vessels on site. The company noted that interest in these systems is increasing as operators look for ways to monitor critical subsea infrastructure and maintain access to maritime transit routes.

“By combining SEFINE’s multi-role USV with Kraken’s KATFISH and USV LARS, navies can deploy advanced technologies faster and more efficiently,” said Bernard Mills, Kraken’s executive vice president of defense, in a statement.

The same KATFISH sonar and LARS package was previously demonstrated from an 11-meter (36-ft) ARCIMS USV operated by the UK Royal Navy in November 2025. Kraken said the continued integration of its sonar systems across multiple USV platforms reflects a broader push toward modular, deployable mine countermeasure solutions.

The company positions KATFISH as part of a growing suite of autonomous systems aimed at reducing operational costs and improving survey speed while maintaining high-resolution seabed imaging.