Leidos Unveils Sea Dagger Design to Advance UK Maritime Autonomy Capabilities

Rhea-AI Summary

Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) has unveiled Sea Dagger, a revolutionary Commando Insertion Craft designed for the Royal Navy under the UK Commando Force programme. This next-generation vessel is the first of its size to integrate speed, range, vehicle delivery, and modular mission systems in a single platform.

The project aims to deliver 24 medium surface insertion craft capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots. Sea Dagger incorporates advanced features including Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems, and integrated weaponry, building on over 30 years of fast-craft expertise. The design aligns with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review's goals for enhanced warfighting readiness.

Positive

• First-of-its-kind integration of multiple capabilities in a single platform
• Secured major contract to deliver 24 medium surface insertion craft for Royal Navy
• Leverages over 30 years of fast-craft expertise with advanced AI and autonomous systems
• Aligns with strategic AUKUS Pillar 2 objectives and UK defense initiatives

Negative

• None.

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LONDON, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS) is unveiling Sea Dagger, a next-generation Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) concept developed for the Royal Navy. The first craft of its size to combine speed, range, vehicle delivery and modular mission systems into a single platform, Sea Dagger sets a new standard in maritime autonomy and operational agility.

Developed under the UK Commando Force (UKCF) programme, 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. The design builds on more than 30 years of fast-craft expertise and incorporates Leidos technology, including Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems and integrated weaponry. Operational resilience is central to the concept, with a focus on readiness, availability, maintainability and repairability. The platform is designed to continue delivering its mission under stress, disruption or attack for an enduring presence in contested environments.

Aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review's vision to move to warfighting readiness and increasing lethality, Sea Dagger helps ensure the UKCF can respond quickly with the tools, training and systems needed to face the evolving threats and demands of modern conflict.

Sea Dagger addresses the most pressing challenge faced by specialised units operating in coastal and shallow-water environments around the world. Unlike historical near-shore landing craft, Sea Dagger 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.

Adam Clarke, senior vice president and chief executive at Leidos UK & Europe said, "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. 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."

For more information about Leidos' autonomous maritime systems, visit leidos.com/autonomy.

About AUKUS

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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Leidos UK & Europe is a leading partner to the UK and Scottish governments supporting national security, defence and logistics programmes, as well as serving key clients in transportation and energy. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Media enquiries
Vicki Cordon
Contact: vicki.cordon@uk.leidos.com 

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SOURCE Leidos

FAQ

What is Leidos Sea Dagger and what capabilities does it offer?

Sea Dagger is a next-generation Commando Insertion Craft that combines speed exceeding 40 knots, range, vehicle delivery, and modular mission systems. It features Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems, and integrated weaponry for enhanced maritime operations.

How many Sea Dagger vessels will be delivered to the UK Commando Force?

The UK Commando Force programme aims to deliver 24 medium surface insertion craft capable of deploying Commando Strike teams, light tactical mobility platforms, and medium combat loads.

What technologies are incorporated in the Leidos Sea Dagger design?

Sea Dagger incorporates Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems, integrated weaponry, and advanced C2 (command-and-control) capabilities, built on over 30 years of fast-craft expertise.

How does Sea Dagger align with UK defense objectives?

Sea Dagger aligns with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review's vision for enhanced warfighting readiness and increasing lethality in modern conflict scenarios.