英国无人船新创公司Kraken Technology Group完成1.75亿美元融资，由德国基金DTCP领投，北约创新基金及莱茵金属等参投，估值突破10亿美元大关。该公司由前快艇竞速纪录保持人Mal Crease于2021年创立，专注于生产可搭载电子战设备与无人机的无人水面舰艇，并支援远端操控及软体自主控制。

欧洲各国因应俄罗斯威胁正加速海军现代化，英、法、德三国本周启动了一项500亿美元的北约军备计划，不依赖美国参与。伊朗冲突也凸显了无人舰艇在运输与武装方面的国际迫切需求。泰雷兹、洛克希德·马丁等大型防务企业及Anduril、Saronic等资金充裕的新创公司均在积极发展海上自主机器人舰艇。

Kraken强调其核心优势在于以模组化设计实现比传统海军承包商更低成本、更快速度的生产能力，目前已制造并交付超过200艘船，计划年产1,000艘。公司已在英国、欧洲及美国取得逾13份合同，其中包括今年三月英国皇家海军以1,230万英镑采购20艘无人艇的订单。本轮融资前公司估值为4亿美元。

British startup Kraken Technology Group has raised $175 million in a funding round led by German fund DTCP, with participation from the NATO Innovation Fund and Rheinmetall AG, pushing its valuation past $1 billion. Founded in 2021 by former speedboat racing record-holder Mal Crease, the company builds uncrewed surface vessels capable of carrying electronic warfare equipment and drones, operating via remote control or autonomous software.

The investment reflects a broader European push to modernize naval forces amid growing concerns over Russian aggression. The UK, France, and Germany this week launched a $50 billion NATO initiative to develop arsenals independently of the US, while the ongoing Iran conflict has heightened global demand for uncrewed maritime vessels. Major defense firms such as Thales and Lockheed Martin, alongside well-funded startups like Anduril and Saronic, are also racing to develop autonomous maritime systems. (Key numbers: 500)

Kraken's key competitive advantage lies in its modular manufacturing approach, enabling faster and cheaper production than traditional naval contractors. The company has produced and shipped over 200 boats to date and aims to build 1,000 per year. It holds more than 13 contracts across the UK, Europe, and the US, including a £12.3 million deal with the UK Royal Navy for 20 uncrewed vessels signed in March. Prior to this round, the company was valued at $400 million.