Saab Seaeye Ltd, the UK-based specialist in underwater robotics, continues to expand under Saab ownership, with significant developments in manufacturing, defence projects, product deliveries and market leadership strengthening its position in maritime sector.
Fareham Opens New Manufacturing Facility
Saab UK officially inaugurated their advanced three-building campus in Fareham, Hampshire on 4 February 2025 to develop, manufacture and support radar systems as part of Seaeye's underwater robotics portfolio. Opened by Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP Secretary of State for Business and Trade this facility supports up to 400 jobs with apprenticeship opportunities as it enhances UK sovereign capabilities for radar systems as well as subsea robotics for domestic and export markets.
Saab's UK site for manufacturing the Giraffe 1X radar and Seaeye SR20 remotely operated vehicle (ROV), fulfilling their 2023 investment pledge, also services UK Armed Forces radars like Giraffe AMB and TAIPAN radars while providing support for future requirements. Micael Johansson, Saab President and CEO emphasized their dedication to UK defence innovation while John Healey highlighted its role as high-skill job creators with technological leadership.
Leadership of NATO Underwater Battlespace Project
Kockums business area of Saab will assume leadership of MANGROVE consortium from 1 September 2025 as part of NATO's Antisubmarine Warfare Barrier initiative, beginning 1 September 2025. Selected on 16 July 2025 and sponsored by 12 nations such as UK, Sweden, and US for this multinational effort that creates reference architecture and test environment for mission networks integrating crewed and uncrewed maritime systems.
The project provides secure information exchange across domains for combined military operations and is intended to create a new NATO standard. Mats Wicksell of Saab Kockums stressed its strategic significance for underwater security; David Burton from NATO noted its contribution to interoperability within changing battlespaces. Consortium partners include CETENA, IDS (Fincantieri), FlySight, GraalTech Miraya Saab UK BlueBear S2IX University of Plymouth
As We Continue ROV Deliveries and Achieve Milestones
Saab UK recently delivered their 600th Seaeye Falcon ROV from Fareham to DISA International, demonstrating its reliability for international subsea operations. CCC (Underwater Engineering) of UAE also expanded their Saab ROV fleet from six units to nine, reflecting strong regional demand.
The Seaeye SR20 eWROV completed successful milestone water trials, opening up opportunities for spring 2025 sea trials. Andy Fraser, Saab UK Managing Director, confirmed its progress toward full deployment. Saab UK also showcased solutions at the Combined Naval Event 2025 to showcase future-ready maritime technologies.
Saab's activities build upon their 2024 acquisition of Seaeye Holdings Ltd for PS13 million, which integrated Seaeye's electric ROV range into Saab's underwater portfolio for offshore, security, and defence markets. Fareham operations employ around 50 staff with prior annual sales exceeding PS12 million; thus fostering synergies that drive continued growth.