Kraken Robotics Inc. (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SEFINE SISAM (Strategic Unmanned Systems Research Center) at the SAHA exhibition in Turkey. The agreement formalizes collaboration on integrating Kraken's KATFISH towed synthetic aperture sonar system with SISAM's mission planning software and developing automatic target recognition (ATR) capabilities for mine countermeasures and submarine warfare applications.
What the partnership covers
Under the MOU, Kraken and SISAM will work together to:
- Integrate KATFISH with SISAM's mission planning software
- Develop automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms for Kraken's synthetic aperture sonar
- Advance fully integrated autonomous solutions deployable for underwater warfare and mine countermeasures
The two companies had already conducted a successful sea demonstration earlier in 2026, during which Kraken's KATFISH system and a launch-and-recovery system were operated from SEFINE's RD-22 unmanned surface vessel (USV) off the coast of Istanbul, Turkey. That demonstration validated high-resolution detection and classification of mine-like objects and critical underwater infrastructure in an operational environment.
Strategic context
Kraken Robotics, headquartered in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, specializes in 3D imaging sensors, pressure-tolerant batteries, and robotic systems for underwater intelligence. The company supports customers in more than 30 countries and has offices in North America, South America, and Europe.
On March 3, 2026, Kraken announced the acquisition of Covelya Group Limited, a provider of critical underwater technology solutions operating through subsidiaries including Sonardyne International Ltd., EIVA A/S, Forcys Ltd., Wavefront Systems Ltd., Voyis Imaging Inc., and Chelsea Technologies Ltd. That acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
Tradeoffs
The MOU is a non-binding agreement and does not guarantee specific revenue or product timelines. Kraken's forward-looking statements in the press release caution that actual results may differ materially from expectations due to market conditions, competition, regulatory developments, and other factors. The partnership's success depends on subsequent definitive agreements and continued collaboration.
Bottom line
The Kraken-SEFINE SISAM MOU extends autonomous underwater capabilities into the North Atlantic region, combining Kraken's sonar and AUV expertise with SISAM's unmanned systems research. The earlier sea demonstration provides some evidence of technical feasibility, but the partnership remains at an early stage. Readers should monitor for definitive agreements and further sea trials to assess real-world deployment.