Saab Seaeye
Saab Seaeye is the world's largest manufacturer of electric underwater robotic systems, producing electric ROVs, autonomous hybrid vehicles, manipulators and tooling for defence, offshore energy, marine science, nuclear, aquaculture and renewables customers in 74 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersFareham, United Kingdom
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
Saab Seaeye firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Saab Seaeye
- Legal name
- Saab Seaeye Ltd
- Website
- https://saabseaeye.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Saab Seaeye is the world's largest manufacturer of electric underwater robotic systems, producing electric ROVs, autonomous hybrid vehicles, manipulators and tooling for defence, offshore energy, marine science, nuclear, aquaculture and renewables customers in 74 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Saab Seaeye industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric Underwater Robotics and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)
- SIC
- Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Underwater Robotics (USVs/UUVs) (HDAAAIAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) & Autonomous Submersible Manufacturing (IMAJAOAC), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) & Autonomous Subsea Platforms (IMABAIAF), Marine Automation, Control & PLC/SCADA Systems (IMAJAJAC), Underwater Inspection, Maintenance & Repair (UWILD, Diving/ROV, In-water Cleaning) (IMAJAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Saab Seaeye is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fareham
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Saab Seaeye business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Underwater Vehicle Sales: Sale of electric ROV systems including Falcon, Falcon-DR, Lynx, Cougar-XT Compact, Cougar-XTi, Panther-XT Plus, Leopard, SR20, Sabertooth Single Hull, and Sabertooth Double Hull vehicles.
- Product Support and After-Sales Service: Technical support, spares, repairs, and ongoing maintenance services for ROV systems globally.
- Training and Manuals: Training courses provided at Fareham UK headquarters or delivered on-site worldwide, including hands-on experience and system optimization training.
- Accessories and Tooling: Sale of manipulators, hydraulic components, camera booms, pan & tilts, water jetting systems, rotary actuators, hydraulic cylinders, power units, valves, tooling telemetry control systems, and cutting tools through the Hydro-Lek product range.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels8 records
Saab Seaeye product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Saab Seaeye manufactures electric underwater robotic systems — the world's largest range of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (HAUVs) — and sells them to enterprise, government, and defence customers across offshore energy, telecoms, aquaculture, marine science, renewables, nuclear and naval sectors. Revenue is generated through hardware sales, complemented by aftermarket product support, spares, repairs, training, and Hydro-Lek hydraulic accessories.
Product overview
Saab Seaeye is the world's leader in electric underwater robotics, offering a comprehensive portfolio of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and associated solutions. The product portfolio centres on tethered electric ROVs ranging from portable observation-class (Falcon, Falcon-DR, Lynx) to mid-range work-class (Cougar-XT Compact, Cougar-XTi, Panther-XT Plus) to heavy work-class (Leopard, SR20) systems, plus the hybrid autonomous Sabertooth HAUV. The portfolio includes the eM1-7 electric manipulator, Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS), Control Cabins, Hydro-Lek hydraulic tooling brand, and Defence vehicle variants including Double Eagle and Sea Wasp. The systems share the proprietary iCON intelligent control architecture and support diverse sectors including offshore energy, renewables, telecoms, salvage, aquaculture, marine science, nuclear, defence, and civil security.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Falcon Portable metre-sized observation-class electric ROV rated to 300m or 1000m depth with five thrusters and iCON intelligent control; proven across commercial, security and scientific sectors with over a million hours underwater.
- Falcon-DR Deep-rated version of the Falcon rated to 1000m, with 100kg weight in air, 15kg payload and the same five-thruster iCON architecture.
- Lynx Offshore inspection ROV rated to 1500m with six thrusters for stability, interchangeable tooling skids, fibre optic data transmission and up to four video channels; used by the Colombian Navy in the San José galleon survey.
- Cougar-XT Compact Compact electric ROV rated to 1300m with three thrusters and SM7 sonar capability; designed for observation and light intervention with quick mobilisation.
- Cougar-XTi Advanced electric ROV rated to 2000m with six 500V DC thrusters delivering exceptional thrust in high currents; carries survey equipment for hydrographics and geophysical services.
- Panther-XT Plus Powerful compact work-class ROV rated to 800m with seven- and four-function manipulator configurations, 340kg payload, and eight thrusters for robust performance in challenging conditions.
- Leopard Most powerful electric work-class ROV of its size, rated to 2000m (3000m option), with 11 thrusters, 1200kg payload and advanced iCON intelligent control for demanding work tasks in strong currents.
- SR20 eWROV Most advanced fully-electric work-class eWROV rated to 3000m, designed for eco-efficiency with limited oil, autonomous and resident deployment capability, dual eM1-7 electric manipulators, and over-the-horizon control.
- Sabertooth Single Hull Hovering autonomous underwater vehicle (HAUV) rated to 3000m combining AUV and ROV technology; operates in both autonomous and tethered modes with six degrees of freedom and 360-degree hovering.
- Sabertooth Double Hull Enhanced Sabertooth configuration with double hull rated to 3000m+ depth, 1400kg payload capacity and enhanced stability for demanding intervention tasks; used at Johan Sverdrup resident drone programme.
- Defence Vehicles (Double Eagle, Sabertooth, Sea Wasp) Defence product line including the Double Eagle family for mine countermeasures, Sabertooth for deep-water operations, and Sea Wasp for IED neutralisation; supplied to navies including Spanish, Royal Netherlands and Royal New Zealand.
- eM1-7 Electric Manipulator World's most advanced seven-function electric work-class manipulator with active power management, automated and manual operation, modular electric joints, 454kg lift capacity at minimum extension and rated to 4000m depth; standard fitment on the SR20.
- Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) Range of launch and recovery systems including A-Frame LARS, Crane LARS and Winch LARS, designed for safe area or Zone 2 area deployment of underwater vehicles.
- Control Cabins Surface control cabins in 16ft and 20ft configurations, fitted with desks, seats, monitors and rack units, with 10ft workshop container option; safe area standard with Zone 2 options for offshore operations.
- Hydro-Lek Tooling Specialist subsea tooling brand including hydraulic HLK manipulators, camera booms, pan & tilts, rotary actuators, hydraulic cylinders, water jetters, hydraulic power units, valves & valve packs, tooling telemetry control systems and cutting tools; manufactured in Fareham, UK.
- Product Support & Training Global product support, spare parts, repairs, technical documentation and training courses delivered at Fareham UK headquarters or on-site worldwide for Saab Seaeye customers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 50% more efficient than equivalent electro-hydraulic systems
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Saab Seaeye
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Saab Seaeye technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature4 records
Saab Seaeye partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Colombian NavyflagshipSeaeye Lynx operated by Colombian Navy played critical role in survey and documentation of the 18th-century galleon San José at approximately 600 meters depth, capturing high-resolution imagery and 3D photogrammetry.
- NATO MANGROVE ConsortiumcoreSaab leads the NATO-selected MANGROVE consortium for the Allied Underwater Battlespace Mission Network (AUWB-MN) project. The consortium includes CETENA and IDS (Fincantieri Group), FlySight, GraalTech, Miraya, Saab UK and BlueBear, S2IX, and University of Plymouth. The 12-month project will deliver interoperability for Maritime Uncrewed Systems and conventional platforms across allied nations, sponsored by 12 nations led by the UK.
- Ocean InfinitycoreOcean Infinity is the launch customer for Seaeye SR20 eWROV, transforming operations using innovative technology as they develop a fleet of uncrewed robotic vessels.
- ModuscoreWorld's first resident subsea drone programme awarded to Modus by Equinor Energy for autonomous deployment of Saab Sabertooth at Johan Sverdrup oil field. Sabertooth remains docked on seabed between missions with over-the-horizon mission management from Modus' UK Command and Control Centre.
- Falklands Maritime Heritage TrustflagshipSabertooth contributed to the Endurance22 expedition, achieving the first-ever full 3D mapping of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Endurance wreck at 3,000m depth in Antarctica. Sabertooth operated under the ice to help scan the wreck in remarkable detail.
- Marimex Japan K.K.coreSaab Seaeye distributor in Japan for ROVs and maintenance services. Handles offshore wind energy and other market segments in Japan.
- Marine VisioncoreSaab Seaeye's Spanish-based distributor that assisted in procurement process for Spanish Navy Leopard system and provides ongoing support.
- UniqueminorSaab Seaeye distributor in Indonesia facilitating sales and support for PT Fabila Teknik Sejahtra and other Indonesian customers.
- Symphotic TII CorporationcoreNorth America distributor (Jack Roberts) that assisted Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in acquiring Seaeye Falcons.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Saab Seaeye competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Saipem: Italian offshore energy services contractor that has developed and operated its own Hydrone-R electric underwater intervention drone. Competes with Saab Seaeye in resident subsea drone deployments for major oil and gas operators.
- Teledyne Marine: Division of Teledyne Technologies supplying a broad portfolio of marine imaging, instrumentation, and subsea vehicles. Overlaps with Saab Seaeye through subsea cameras, sonars, and tooling integrations across the 13 industries Saab serves.
- Saab Kockums: Parent business area within Saab Group that owns Saab Seaeye and supplies submarines and naval combat systems. Comparable as a defence subsea systems integrator that bundles Saab Seaeye ROVs/AUVs into broader naval platform offerings.
- Oceaneering International: The largest global provider of ROV-operated services and a manufacturer of ROVs (including its Magnum and Millennium series). Competes with Saab Seaeye both as a captive fleet operator and as a supplier; explicitly listed as a key ROV market competitor by Saab Seaeye.
- TechnipFMC: Global subsea engineering and equipment supplier operating in offshore energy (Schilling Robotics heritage). Competes with Saab Seaeye in work-class ROVs, manipulators, and tooling tied to offshore oil & gas and renewables.
Direct peers
- Deep Trekker: Canadian manufacturer of electric ROVs for inspection, search & recovery, aquaculture, and defence. Closely competes with Saab Seaeye in portable observation-class electric ROVs and shares the small/portable electric platform thesis that Saab Seaeye's Falcon pioneered.
- SMD (Soil Machine Dynamics): UK-based subsea robotics manufacturer of work-class ROVs and trenchers. Direct peer to Saab Seaeye's work-class portfolio (Panther, Leopard) for offshore energy, telecoms, and survey use cases, often competing on the same tenders globally.
- VideoRay: US-based manufacturer of remotely operated underwater vehicles serving defence, security, and commercial customers. Direct competitor to Saab Seaeye in mission-grade electric ROVs and explicitly named by Saab Seaeye's own competitive market materials.
- ECA Group (iXblue / Exail): French manufacturer of unmanned underwater vehicles (ROVs and AUVs) primarily for naval mine countermeasures and survey. Direct competitor to Saab Seaeye's Double Eagle, Sabertooth, and Sea Wasp defence portfolio across European and export naval tenders.
- Forum Energy Technologies: US-listed subsea equipment manufacturer supplying ROVs, manipulators, and intervention tooling to oil & gas, telecoms, and defence. Competes with Saab Seaeye across work-class ROVs and subsea tooling, adjacent to Saab's Hydro-Lek brand.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Saab Seaeye social profiles
Digital presenceSaab Seaeye compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Saab Seaeye financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Saab Seaeye leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Saab Seaeye subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Saab Seaeye funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Saab Seaeye M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Saab Seaeye
What does Saab Seaeye do?
Saab Seaeye manufactures electric underwater robotic systems — the world's largest range of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (HAUVs) — and sells them to enterprise, government, and defence customers across offshore energy, telecoms, aquaculture, marine science, renewables, nuclear and naval sectors. Revenue is generated through hardware sales, complemented by aftermarket product support, spares, repairs, training, and Hydro-Lek hydraulic accessories.
Is Saab Seaeye a public or private company?
Saab Seaeye is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Saab Seaeye founded?
Saab Seaeye was founded in 1986. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Saab Seaeye based?
Saab Seaeye is headquartered in Fareham, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Saab Seaeye make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Underwater Vehicle Sales are the primary driver. The others are product Support and After-Sales Service, training and Manuals and accessories and Tooling.
Who are Saab Seaeye's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Saipem, Teledyne Marine, Saab Kockums, Oceaneering International and TechnipFMC. Direct peers are Deep Trekker, SMD (Soil Machine Dynamics), VideoRay, ECA Group (iXblue / Exail) and Forum Energy Technologies.
Does Saab Seaeye have an API?
No public API is recorded for Saab Seaeye.
What industry is Saab Seaeye in?
Saab Seaeye's product category is Electric Underwater Robotics and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAAAIAH, Marine & Underwater Robotics (USVs/UUVs), with a secondary code of IMAJAOAC, Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) & Autonomous Submersible Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3600.