iscover
American defence and technology company Leidos has announced their next generation Sea Dagger commando insertion craft concept developed for the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy.
The craft will reportedly combine speed, range, vehicle delivery and modular mission systems into a single Sea Dagger platform with maritime autonomy and operational agility.
Developed under the UK Commando Force program, the initiative’s goal is to deliver 24 medium surface insertion craft capable of deploying Commando Strike teams, light tactical mobility platforms, offboard systems, and medium combat loads from long range, enabled by training and in-service support.
Capable of exceeding 40 knots, Sea Dagger is the result of a collaborative development effort between Leidos naval architects and military subject matter experts, the Royal Navy, and UKCF. It’s understood that Sea Dagger is designed to meet the challenge faced by specialised units operating in coastal and shallow water environments.
“Sea Dagger represents a pivotal step in equipping the UK Commando Force with the capability to operate with greater agility, survivability and intent in a complex and congested maritime environment,” Leidos UK and Europe senior vice president and chief executive Adam Clarke said.
“The Leidos design reflects our commitment to delivering resilient, future-ready platforms that can adapt to the complexities of modern warfare, ensuring capability, availability and operational advantage from day one.
“I am delighted that Leidos is at the forefront of shaping the maritime marketplace, domestically and internationally.”
According to Leidos, the design builds on more than 30 years of fast craft expertise and incorporates Leidos technology, including trusted mission artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and integrated weaponry.
The craft was also designed to align with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review’s vision to move to warfighting readiness and increasing lethality.
Unlike historical near-shore landing craft, Sea Dagger reportedly delivers a unique combination of naval architecture and high-technology sensors, weapons and C2 (command-and-control) capabilities shaped by the realities of warfare in modern conflicts.
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region through defence cooperation. AUKUS Pillar 2 focuses on advanced technology collaboration, including maritime autonomy, artificial intelligence, cyber and hypersonics.
