According to a PR published by Kraken Robotics on February 28, 2024, the Royal Danish Navy has completed the integration of mine-hunting sonar technology.
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Kraken KATFISH on MSF drone vessels. (Picture source: Kraken)
This development follows a contract awarded in September 2020 by the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), involving the delivery of four mine-hunting systems.
These systems include the KATFISH towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar, Tentacle Winch, and an Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS), supplemented with command and control equipment for enhanced operational capabilities.
Installed on the Navy's MSF-class optionally uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), these systems were part of an upgrade program aimed at bolstering the Navy's minehunting capabilities.
The installation process was carried out in conjunction with the MSF-class vessels' scheduled mid-life refits and involved cooperation with local Danish shipyard JOBI. Additionally, the systems were integrated with Saab’s Command and Control (C2) software and Kongsberg’s Maritime Broadband Radio (MBR) to facilitate remote operations and real-time sonar imagery transmission.
Following the system deliveries, Kraken Robotics entered into a 7-year sustainment contract with DALO, which includes options for two additional 7-year extensions. This agreement covers maintenance, training, spare parts supply, and software updates.
Kraken Robotics also conducted training programs for the MCM Denmark team, aiming to equip Navy personnel with the necessary skills to operate and maintain the new systems effectively. Since their deployment, the KATFISH systems have been operational, contributing to the Navy's seabed warfare and mine detection efforts.
