Leidos has unveiled its Sea Dagger design, pitching it as a contender for the Royal Navy’s future Commando Insertion Craft programme.
The company says the concept brings together speed, range, vehicle delivery and modular mission systems in a way not previously available at this scale.
The UK Commando Force (UKCF) initiative seeks 24 medium surface insertion craft able to deploy strike teams, light tactical vehicles, offboard systems and combat loads from long range. Leidos argues Sea Dagger offers the blend of autonomy, survivability and endurance needed to meet that requirement.
According to the company, the vessel can exceed 40 knots and is designed with operational resilience in mind, including maintainability and repairability under stress. It incorporates Leidos’ Trusted Mission AI, autonomous systems, and integrated weaponry, and has been developed in collaboration with Royal Navy stakeholders and UKCF subject matter experts.
Adam Clarke, chief executive of Leidos UK & Europe, said: “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. The Leidos design reflects our commitment to delivering resilient, future-ready platforms that can adapt to the complexities of modern warfare.”
The company frames the craft as aligned with both the 2025 Strategic Defence Review’s call for “warfighting readiness” and AUKUS Pillar 2’s focus on maritime autonomy and advanced technologies.
Leidos claims that Sea Dagger is not simply a modern landing craft, but a platform shaped by lessons from contemporary conflicts, with sensors, weapons and command systems intended to give commandos an edge in contested littoral zones.
So we need a consultation period of five years, followed by trials, then a discussion of alternatives. By the end of the process they’ll cost £50 million each and won’t be thought to be cost effective. Only joking ??
Sounds about right🤔😒
This design bears an uncanny resemblance to Steller’s CIC concept, with the same stern door and bow anchor. Pretty much the only change is that the rear end has been extended to double the vehicle and troop capacity. It looks like a good fit but where would a US contractor build them?
if this ever comes to fruitarian.
what country I ask will get it first,
and will we . if ever. get it second hand from the Americans.
just wondering. Like.??
Interesting, stern unloading.
Does this replace LCU as well as LCVP?
No, as you can see the maximum vehicle payload is just 2 beach buggy MRZRs, or maybe a Jackal if the crew breathe in! Unless we want to leave all of the heavy stuff to Mexeflotes or we decide we don’t need heavy lift, we will need a separate LCU replacement.
I quite like the stern unloading, it uses an anchor to drag the thing off the beach (which was tested by Steller in their subscale demonstrator) and it means a quicker escape, which is probably the most dangerous bit of a raid as the enemy has fully woken up by then! It also allows for the much more streamlined bow, which would be useful on long transits.
That’s my worry, mate.
LCU is binned.
We have no ships that can take it except the Bays, which can carry ONE. One.
What’s the point?!
The RM have gone light raiding.
Well go light raiding then, what do you want a LCU that can carry a Tank for.
LCVPs can carry MRZR, Polaris buggy.
Note, I’m against what the RM are doing, I”d prefer them remaining a LI Bde with some lift ability.
If they are now talking that a MRSS needs to be over 120km from the shore line. Travelling that distance in heavy seas in a LCVP type craft with a flat bottom, thanks but no thanks!
I’m kind of surprised that no one has come up with a design based on the semi-submersible Narco subs?
That’s my worry, mate.
LCU is binned.
We have no ships that can take it except the Bays, which can carry ONE. One.
What’s the point?!
The RM have gone light raiding.
Well go light raiding then, what do you want a LCU that can carry a Tank for.
LCVPs can carry MRZR, Polaris buggy.
Note, I’m against what the RM are doing, I”d prefer them remaining a LI Bde with some lift ability.