U .K.-based maritime technology and defense company SubSea Craft plans to expand operations into Virginia Beach as the company grows its presence in the U.S. maritime and defense market.
The company said Virginia Beach will serve as a strategic hub for engagement with U.S. defense agencies, maritime industry partners, and technology collaborators. SubSea Craft develops surface, subsurface, and autonomous maritime platforms for naval and defense applications.
As part of the expansion, the company expects to hire leadership, operations, field engineering, and technician positions.
SubSea Craft cited the Hampton Roads region’s concentration of military installations, maritime infrastructure, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and specialized workforce as factors in selecting Virginia Beach for the expansion. The company also pointed to collaboration opportunities with Global Technical Systems.
“Virginia Beach offers an exceptional environment for a company operating at the intersection of maritime innovation and defense technology,” said Tom Harkin, chief commercial officer for SubSea Craft, in a statement. “The city’s access to maritime infrastructure, defense assets, industry expertise, and technical talent strongly aligns with our long-term vision for growth and collaboration in the United States.”
The project was supported by Virginia Beach Economic Development, the Hampton Roads Alliance, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. The expansion also received an Economic Development Investment Program grant from the Virginia Beach Development Authority.
Local officials said the project reflects continued investment in maritime defense and technology industries in the Hampton Roads region.
“SubSea Craft’s decision to establish operations in Virginia Beach reflects the unique strengths of the Hampton Roads region — where naval operations, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, autonomy, and maritime engineering expertise come together in one ecosystem,” said Doug Smith, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Alliance.
The company said the expansion aligns with broader defense collaboration efforts tied to the AUKUS partnership, particularly initiatives focused on autonomy, artificial intelligence, undersea technologies, and defense innovation.
