Kraken Technology Group, an autonomous maritime defence technology firm based in the UK, has appointed Justin Litko as CEO of its US subsidiary, Kraken Technology US.
The company said Litko will oversee the expansion and management of its operations within the US market.
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Litko brings more than two decades of experience in defence, intelligence, and commercial sectors. Before joining Kraken, he served as vice president of the special operations solutions division at BlueHalo, a defence technology company.
He previously retired from the US Army as a Special Forces Warrant Officer.
Litko said: “Kraken has proven its technology across the globe. I am delighted to be joining Kraken US to accelerate its delivery of American-made unmanned vessels in support of our military and deploy mission-ready autonomy on the water at the speed the threat demands.”
Kraken designs and manufactures autonomous maritime platforms tailored for defence and security applications. Its vessels are intended for a range of roles such as reconnaissance, forward presence, force protection, precision strike, and maritime security.
The company’s platforms are designed to operate in complex and contested environments, with a focus on reducing risk to personnel through autonomous operation.
Kraken’s recent activities in North America include an agreement in May 2026 with Québec-based Davie to establish Canadian production, integration and development of Kraken’s uncrewed surface vessels. This collaboration is expected to boost Kraken’s manufacturing and technical capabilities in Canada.
In April 2026, Kraken entered a strategic partnership with defence technology firm Anduril Industries. The partnership focuses on the joint development of high-performance, integrated unmanned maritime systems to meet both domestic and international requirements, including upcoming US Navy programmes.
Kraken Technology US is currently seeking to expand its workforce as it continues to grow its footprint in the American defence sector.
Litko is expected to support Kraken’s work with the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) under the company’s $49m Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement. He will also contribute to other contracts and partnerships aimed at expanding localised production.
Kraken CEO and founder Mal Crease said: “As CEO of Kraken US, Justin will turbocharge Kraken’s rapidly expanding presence in America. Justin is an exceptional addition to the company and will lead Kraken through its next stage of growth in delivering reliable and effective autonomous systems for the US in the US.”
The CEO appointment for the US subsidiary follows Kraken’s closing of a $175m Series B round that valued the company at $1bn.
The capital raise, led by Digital Transformation Capital Partners (DTCP), aims to drive the further development of Kraken’s uncrewed surface vessels, support international manufacturing growth, and expand local production facilities.
