Sea Dagger Charts New Course for Commando Insertion After DSEI Unveiling
The next-generation Commando Insertion Craft is a survivability and autonomy platform for littoral and amphibious operations that’s ready for production
Three Points to Remember
Sea Dagger’s modular design enables rapid reconfiguration across a wide mission set — from commando insertion and intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR) to anti-submarine warfare and remote strike.
Optionally crewed or fully autonomous, this next-generation Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) is survivable by design.
Its scalable production rate offers an immediate, viable path for AUKUS partners to accelerate adoption of maritime autonomy.
At DSEI 2025, Leidos unveiled Sea Dagger, a next-generation Commando Insertion Craft (CIC) designed to transform the way allied forces conduct littoral and amphibious operations. The craft reflects modern defence requirements, combining the survivability and autonomy needed to succeed in current and future missions. The launch underlined Leidos’ growing role in the UK’s maritime defence sector, where rapid innovation and close international collaboration are increasingly seen as essential.
Versatility at sea
Measuring 20 metres in length, and built with adaptability at its core, Sea Dagger is designed to carry modular payloads to suit mission requirements — from carrying Inflatable Raiding Craft or MRZR vehicles to transporting six tonnes of palletised stores or up to 24 commandos.
The craft has a range of more than 400 nautical miles and can achieve speeds of 40-plus knots in sea state 2 (an average wave height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres). It is also engineered to withstand sea state 7 (high waves, with heights typically between 6 to 9 metres), giving crews confidence in challenging operating environments.
Smarter operations
Sea Dagger can be optionally crewed or fully autonomous using the Leidos Autonomous Vessel Architecture. Artificial intelligence reduces crew workload, while a reverse-beaching design enables rapid deployment directly onto littoral shores.
Its modular SeaPods allow for a mix of defensive and offensive systems, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems for hard kill, soft kill and strike. This flexibility means the craft can adapt to a broad spectrum of missions without requiring a redesign and brings "something to the fight."
Built for rapid production
If selected, Sea Dagger could move quickly into full-rate production. Initial discussions have suggested a delivery rate of four vessels per year, although Leidos has the capacity to increase production beyond this level to meet evolving customer requirements.
With the UK reviewing its future amphibious capabilities, Sea Dagger offers a pathway to introduce a modern platform quickly and at scale. It is also a true swing-role platform capable of extended-range autonomous operations in support of anti-submarine warfare, task group protection, remote strike and heavy UAS, UUV and UGV delivery.
Global interest and AUKUS impact
The unveiling has already attracted significant attention from the US, Australia and other allied partners seeking to enhance their expeditionary capabilities. With interest building both at home and abroad, the next 12 to 18 months will be decisive, as Sea Dagger’s combination of versatility, autonomous capability and production readiness positions it as a strong contender to shape the future of amphibious warfare.
