Leidos unveils new commando insertion craft for Royal Navy

September 11, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

UK tech company Leidos has unveiled Sea Dagger, a next-generation commando insertion craft (CIC) concept developed for the Royal Navy.

Developed under the UK Commando Force (UKCF) program, the initiative’s goal is to deliver 24 medium surface insertion craft capable of deploying Commando Strike teams, light tactical mobility platforms, offboard systems, and medium combat loads from long range, enabled by training and in-service support.

The craft, capable of exceeding 40 knots, was developed between Leidos Naval Architects and military subject matter experts, the Royal Navy, and UKCF. According to Leidos, this is the first craft of its size to combine speed, range, vehicle delivery, and modular mission systems into a single platform.

According to Leidos, Sea Dagger addresses the challenges faced by specialised units operating in coastal and shallow-water environments.

“Sea Dagger represents a pivotal step in equipping the UK Commando Force with the capability to operate with greater agility, survivability and intent in a complex and congested maritime environment,” Adam Clarke, senior vice president and chief executive at Leidos UK & Europe said.

“The Leidos design reflects our commitment to delivering resilient, future-ready platforms that can adapt to the complexities of modern warfare, ensuring capability, availability and operational advantage from day one. I am delighted that Leidos is at the forefront of shaping the maritime marketplace, domestically and internationally.”

The design is also aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2 maritime autonomy objectives and the UK Strategic Defence Review. AUKUS Pillar 2 focuses on advanced technology collaboration, including maritime autonomy, artificial intelligence, cyber, and hypersonics.