BAE Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Frankenburg Technologies to explore collaboration on counter-drone technologies, with an initial focus on missile and warhead development for use against unmanned aerial threats.
Under the agreement, the two companies will examine opportunities to combine their respective capabilities to accelerate development of warheads for Frankenburg’s intended mass-producible, low-cost missile systems designed for counter-drone operations. The partnership will also explore additional future technologies for potential joint development.
In a statement, Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime & Land Defence Solutions business, said:
“Collaborating with innovative companies like Frankenburg Technologies enables us to accelerate the development of advanced, affordable solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.
By bringing together our proven munitions expertise with Frankenburg’s disruptive missile technology, we’re helping to deliver the next generation of counter drone capability at pace to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
The announcement reflects ongoing efforts across the defense sector to scale lower-cost interceptor options as drone threats continue to proliferate on the battlefield. Traditional air defense missiles can be significantly more expensive than the unmanned systems they are designed to defeat, driving demand for mass-producible alternatives.
Dan Hallett, Managing Director of Frankenburg Technologies, said the partnership would help accelerate development timelines.
“This partnership marks a powerful step forward for the UK defence ecosystem. By bringing together Frankenburg’s agility and rapid innovation with BAE Systems’ scale, industrial depth and global reach, together we’re creating the conditions for new technologies to move from concept to capability far faster.
I am proud that this MoU further highlights the UK as a place where SMEs and primes can collaborate to deliver the next generation of sovereign capability.”
BAE Systems said the agreement forms part of its broader strategy to work with small and medium-sized enterprises to advance new defense technologies more quickly. While the MoU does not represent a binding production contract, it signals intent to pursue joint development in the counter-drone space at a time when militaries are seeking scalable, cost-effective intercept solutions.
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Post Image Credit: BAE Systems
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