Kraken, a company specialising in autonomous maritime defence systems, has appointed Justin Litko as CEO of its US subsidiary. He is set to drive expansion and operations in the American market.
Kraken has recently experienced strong growth in the US, partly through a partnership with the defence contractor Anduril Industries and a contract with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Litko is set to lead the growth of Kraken US going forward. The appointment underlines the company’s commitment to manufacturing unmanned maritime systems in the US, Kraken said.
Litko has more than 20 years’ experience in the defence, intelligence and commercial sectors. Following his service as a warrant officer with the US Army Special Forces, he moved into the defence technology sector; most recently, he served as Vice President of the ‘Special Operations Solutions’ division at Blue Halo, a company specialising in autonomous systems.
Kraken recently raised $175 million in capital, and the company is valued at approximately $1 billion. The partnership with Anduril Industries is intended to contribute to the rapid development and deployment of high-performance, integrated systems for unmanned surface vessels in the US. Building on these developments, Litko will drive forward Kraken’s local production and continue the collaboration with USSOCOM as part of the $49 million contract, as well as further contracts and partnerships, Kraken announced.
“Kraken has proven its technology worldwide,” said Litko on the occasion of his appointment as CEO. “I am delighted to be joining Kraken US and to accelerate the deployment of US-manufactured unmanned surface vehicles in support of our military, as well as to deliver operational autonomous systems on the water at the pace demanded by the threat landscape.”
Mal Crease, CEO and founder of the Kraken Technology Group, said: “As CEO of Kraken US, Justin will significantly drive forward Kraken’s rapidly growing presence in America. Justin is an outstanding addition to the company and will lead Kraken through its next phase of growth, as we deliver reliable and effective autonomous systems for the US – and within the US.”
