ROSYTH, United Kingdom -- The second Type 31 frigate planned for the U.K. Royal Navy, the HMS Active, was floated out in Rosyth, Scotland, on March 21, marking her first entry to water. The operation took place within the dockyard’s non-tidal basin following preparatory dredging to enable submersion of the heavy-lift barge transporting the vessel. The float-off utilized the Malin Augustea CD01 barge, also employed across the UK’s Type 26 frigate program.

The Type 31, or Inspiration class, program is intended to produce five hulls for the Royal Navy by 2030, though this delivery date has been challenged by delays. The lead ship, Venturer, is expected to enter service by 2027. Steel was cut for the fourth frigate of the class, Bulldog, in late February. All five ships will be constructed by Babcock International in Rosyth.

An additional four ships of this design are planned for Indonesia, with a further three to be built for the Polish Navy.

Source: Navy Lookout
Associated URL: https://www.navylookout.com/2nd-type-31-frigatehms-active-afloat-for-the-first-time/

WASHINGTON -- Kraken Robotics Inc. has announced approximately $24 million in new orders to over 10 customers across five undisclosed countries, including three new defense customers. The orders are for Kraken’s SeaPower batteries, KATFISH towed synthetic aperture sonar (SAS), and Kraken SAS.

In addition, a new Nova Scotia facility that will manufacture Kraken’s SeaPower batteries is expected to come online in April 2026, according to Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics. The new facility is expected to significantly expand Kraken’s production capacity.

A statement from Greg Reid also noted that Kraken has sold the new KATFISH towed SAS to the Polish Navy for their minehunting program and sold SAS to "multiple defense customers" for their autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platforms.

The Polish Navy first selected KATFISH in 2020 for deployment on its Kormoran II-class minehunting vessels to support mine countermeasure operations in complex shallow water environments.

Source: Ocean News & Technology
Associated URL: https://oceannews.com/news/defense/kraken-robotics-announces-24-million-in-defense-orders/?utm_source=ONT+Newsletter&utm_campaign=909d72f6dc-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_03_24_08_17&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-909d72f6dc-546570786

MADRID, SPAIN -- Indra Group and Hanwha Aerospace signed a binding agreement for the development of self-propelled artillery systems, tailored to the needs of the Spanish Armed Forces. The agreement has a budget of €4.55 billion to produce 280 tracked vehicles based on the Korean company's K9 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

The program will include 128 tracked artillery vehicles and 120 ammunition resupply vehicles, as well recovery vehicles and command-and-control units. Indra Group will also invest €130 million in new industrial capabilities, manufacturing the hulls of the vehicles locally.

Source: Indra
Associated URL: https://www.indragroup.com/en/news/indra-group-and-hanwha-group-sign-a-binding-agreement-for-the-development-of-innovative-self-propelled-artillery-systems