Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

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
Leonardo animated rectangle

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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
JFD Global to enhance Polish Navy

Defence Security

JFD Global to enhance Polish Navy's submarine rescue capability

11 December 2025

James Fisher (JFD Global) has secured a contract with PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, which will see JFD Global integrate a combined, hyperbaric and saturation diving system into the Polish Navy’s new salvage and rescue vessel, Ratownik.

RISC appoints Paul Lincoln as Chair

Security

RISC appoints Paul Lincoln as Chair

11 December 2025

The Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community (RISC), today announces the appointment of Paul Lincoln CB OBE VR as its new Chair.

Avon Protection receives European order for FM50 respirators

Defence Security

Avon Protection receives European order for FM50 respirators

11 December 2025

Avon Protection has received a new European order for FM50 respirators and FM61EU filters via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract vehicle.

Babcock delivers LFB’s first fully electric lorries

Security

Babcock delivers LFB’s first fully electric lorries

10 December 2025

Babcock has marked a major milestone in its partnership with London Fire Brigade (LFB) by supplying the service with its first fully electric large goods vehicles (eLGVs) making LFB the first fire service in the UK to use a fully electric fleet for training.

Advertisement
ODU RT
UK prison building programme continues expansion

Security

UK prison building programme continues expansion

10 December 2025

As part of Government action to keep the public safe and ensure jails never run out of space again, around 5,000 new prison places are under construction in the biggest jail expansion programme since the Victorian era, including in the North West, South East, South West and East of England.

Cobham Satcom and Gatehouse Satcom

Defence Security Space

Cobham Satcom and Gatehouse Satcom's Network Division to merge

8 December 2025

Cobham Satcom and Gatehouse Satcom today announced a strategic merger between Gatehouse Satcom and Cobham Satcom’s Network Division.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle