Kongsberg proposes Birkenhead-built Arctic Hunter for Royal Navy Type 92

Kongsberg Maritime has unveiled Arctic Hunter, a 56-metre uncrewed vessel proposed for the Royal Navy's Type 92 programme. If the design is selected, construction would take place at Birkenhead. The announcement was made ahead of the Atlantic Future Forum in Oslo.

Kongsberg is working with Thales UK on sonar and military systems, and with Balaena Maritime on shipbuilding. Balaena's Birkenhead yard was formerly Cammell Laird. Technology collaboration agreements are due to be signed during the conference.

Thales UK would supply the sonar and secure military communications. The partners have not named the sonar model or released detailed performance figures.

Arctic Hunter is based on an existing commercial vessel design developed for Arctic operations. It is intended for missions of up to 60 days, operating from a forward support base inside the Arctic Circle, and would provide persistent anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sensing alongside crewed ships and other assets.

Kongsberg describes it as a remotely operated vessel with autonomous functions. Trained staff in a shore-based Remote Operations Centre would supervise key maritime functions, while any military effects would stay under human control. Deck space would allow additional or alternative mission systems to be fitted.

Kongsberg cites commercial remote vessel experience, including work with Reach Subsea and the Yara Birkeland programme. Its uncrewed vessel technology has DNV and Norwegian Maritime Authority approvals. These cover the commercial technology, not a finished military Arctic Hunter, which would still need development and integration.

The proposal separates commercial shipbuilding from the integration of military equipment. The partners are targeting readiness for militarisation and operational deployment by the end of the decade, subject to Royal Navy requirements.

Type 92 is part of Atlantic Bastion, the Royal Navy's plan to combine crewed platforms with uncrewed sensors to detect and track hostile submarines. In July, the Ministry of Defence said platform numbers and construction schedules had not been decided, with detailed requirements to be considered in the concept and assessment phases.

Arctic Hunter could also fit within the UK-Norway Lunna House agreement, which includes co-operation on autonomous systems in the High North.