Babcock International Group and Frankenburg Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a new, affordable air defence system in response to the growing threat of one-way attack drones. This collaboration aims to provide more cost-effective, scalable, and kinetic solutions to protect military personnel and critical national infrastructure across Europe.
Under the MoU, Babcock, a global leader in designing and manufacturing maritime launch systems, will develop a containerised platform for launching Frankenburg’s new low-cost missiles. These missiles are specifically designed to counter the rising threat of one-way attack drones. The joint capability will enhance defence mechanisms against these emerging threats, ensuring the safety of both military personnel and critical infrastructure.
David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, highlighted the urgency of addressing the rapid development of drone warfare: “Defence has entered a new era with the rapid development of drone warfare, and industry needs to respond to this growing threat. We work with the brightest start-ups on defence’s most critical challenges, and we’re pleased to be working with Frankenburg Technologies on the development of an innovative maritime counter-drone air defence system.”
Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies, emphasised the importance of affordability and scalability in modern air defence: “Frankenburg Technologies’ mission is clear: to bring affordability and scale to modern air defence. The drone threat has changed the character of warfare, and every layer of defence now needs to be designed for mass and speed from the outset. Partnering with Babcock, a recognised leader in maritime defence, allows us to combine rapid innovation with proven naval and industrial expertise, accelerating the delivery of an operational maritime capability.”
Babcock, a FTSE 100 international defence company, operates in the UK, Australasia, Canada, France, and South Africa, with exports to additional markets. The company delivers complex support and product solutions to enhance defence capabilities and critical assets. Frankenburg Technologies, operating in the UK, Tallinn, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine, is developing next-generation interceptor missiles for short-range air defence and counter-UAS. Their systems are designed to protect armed forces and critical national infrastructure from large-scale aerial threats, offering fast, lightweight, and mass-manufacturable solutions that lower intercept costs.
This collaboration not only promises to create a new sovereign capability but also aims to generate skilled employment in the UK. It provides both organisations with global export opportunities, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and defence excellence. By combining their expertise, Babcock and Frankenburg Technologies are poised to deliver a cutting-edge maritime counter-drone air defence system, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern warfare.