Babcock has signed a memorandum of understanding with Frankenburg Technologies to explore the development of a maritime counter-drone air defense system aimed at addressing the growing threat posed by one-way attack drones.
Under the agreement, the two companies will examine the development of a cost-effective, containerized launch platform designed to deploy Frankenburg Technologies’ low-cost missiles. The missiles are being manufactured at scale and are intended specifically to counter one-way attack drones, which have become an increasingly prominent feature of modern conflicts.
The proposed capability is positioned as an affordable and scalable kinetic air defense option for protecting military personnel and critical national infrastructure, particularly in maritime and coastal environments across Europe. According to the companies, the focus on containerization is intended to support flexible deployment and integration across a range of platforms and locations.
The partnership also has an industrial component. Frankenburg Technologies’ engineering operations are led from the UK, and both companies say the collaboration could contribute to the development of a sovereign defense capability while supporting skilled employment and potential export opportunities.
“Defence has entered a new era with the rapid development of drone warfare and industry needs to respond to this growing threat,” said David Lockwood, chief executive officer of Babcock. “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, chief executive officer of Frankenburg Technologies, said the partnership aligns with the company’s focus on affordability and scale in air defense:
“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,” Salm said.
He added that working with Babcock would allow the companies to combine rapid innovation with established maritime and industrial expertise to accelerate delivery of an operational maritime capability.
The memorandum of understanding does not constitute a production contract, but it establishes a framework for further technical development and assessment as both companies respond to evolving counter-drone requirements.
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Post Image Credit: Babcock
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