Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Subsea Craft set to begin VICTA trials

Defence Security

Subsea Craft set to begin VICTA trials

Subsea Craft Ltd, a British advanced maritime technology business, is set to begin trials and testing of its pioneering UK-generated surface submersible craft, VICTA, designed to enable the discreet delivery and recovery of divers.

Above: Computer generated impression of dive operators in part submerged VICTA.
Image courtesy Subsea Craft

VICTA is a unique and innovative craft, providing advanced Diver Delivery Unit (DDU). It transits at speed on the surface before diving rapidly to operate submerged. Funded by a private investor to the tune of £12 million, the company is seeking second-stage investment to enhance working capital profiles, strengthen the brand, expand its offering and infiltrate other sectors.Primarily aimed at the defence market,

Advertisement
ODU RT

Its distinctive form combines the characteristics of a Long-Range Insertion Craft (LRIC) with those of a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV). Over the past two years the company has harnessed novel, market-leading technology to bring the vessel to life and VICTA is now in fit-out ahead of comprehensive trials and testing across the summer.

VICTA can reach speeds of up to 40 knots on the surface over a range of 250nm, whilst submerged the craft has an endurance of up to 4 hours - sufficient to cover 25nm with 2 crew and 6 operators.

This unique British maritime technology provides significant operational capability, broadening the options for commanders of Maritime, Joint and Special operations.  Although focused on defence, there is potential utility elsewhere in the leisure, research and offshore energy sectors.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

Scott Verney, CEO said: “In an uncertain world, nations seek an advantage that we can provide with VICTA. It is a game-changing capability that embraces a number of technological firsts, not least a leading-edge fly by wire control system that enables rapid and seamless transition from surface to full submersion in 120 seconds. The design allows for highly flexible deployment in any number of operational environments without recourse to expensive strategic assets.

“Subsea Craft is an agile and adaptive young business formed around a team that views the maritime technology sector through the lens of experience; we work closely with industry-leading partners to deliver an outstanding product and we are on track for trials and testing over the summer, with the aim of having the craft fully operational later this year.”

The Subsea Craft team have a strong commercial, military, technology and engineering background offering unrivalled potential to generate unique products and services for their customers. 

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

Defence

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

13 May 2026

Defence Secretary John Healey MP has outlined the UK contribution to the multinational Strait of Hormuz mission, with Britain deploying autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon, as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait.

Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

Defence

Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

13 May 2026

The Government of Canada has awarded Avon Protection a five-year contract for the MITR-M1 Half Mask, MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter and accessories.

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike

Defence

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike's UK defence portfolio

13 May 2026

The strategic collaboration between BAE Systems, GM Defence and NP Aerospace - Team LionStrike - formed to develop light utility and tactical vehicle options for British Armed Forces, has added the Chevrolet Silverado HD to its UK defence offerings.

Rowden receives £25m from National Wealth Fund

Defence

Rowden receives £25m from National Wealth Fund

13 May 2026

The UK's National Wealth Fund today announced a £25 million investment in Bristol based British engineering company, Rowden, its first directly supporting defence, national security and resilience.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Rotron completes SkyLance OWE platform test

Defence

Rotron completes SkyLance OWE platform test

13 May 2026

UK-based developer of advanced unmanned aerial systems and propulsion technologies, Rotron Aerospace, has demoed and fired its SkyLance long-range one-way effector (OWE) platform validating key propulsion and system performance characteristics.

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

Aerospace Defence Security

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

13 May 2026

Malvern based D-RisQ Ltd has been selected by SMD to accelerate development of their autonomy programme.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB