Babcock International has entered a strategic partnership with UK-led engineering firm Frankenburg Technologies to develop a new, cost-effective air defence system tailored to the rising threat of one-way attack drones. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to create an accessible and scalable kinetic solution to protect naval assets and critical infrastructure.
The initiative responds directly to the evolving character of modern warfare, where inexpensive, proliferating drone technology poses a significant asymmetric threat. The core of the joint project will be a modular, containerised launching platform developed by Babcock, designed to deploy Frankenburg’s new line of low-cost interceptor missiles at pace. This integrated system promises a dedicated, hard-kill defence layer against drone swarms and similar threats, filling a critical capability gap for maritime and land-based forces.
Beyond immediate defence needs, the partnership is poised to strengthen UK sovereign capability. With Frankenburg’s engineering leadership based in the UK, the venture will generate skilled employment and foster advanced manufacturing expertise within the country. The alliance combines Babcock’s deep maritime systems integration and support experience with Frankenburg’s agile, innovative approach to missile development, creating a powerful consortium for both domestic procurement and global export markets.
David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, commented: “The rapid evolution of drone warfare marks a new era for defence, demanding an equally agile response from industry. By partnering with innovative start-ups like Frankenburg Technologies on our most critical challenges, we can accelerate the delivery of vital protective capabilities for our customers.”
Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies, added: “Our mission is to bring affordability and scale to modern air defence. The drone threat necessitates that every defence layer is designed for mass and speed from the outset. Teaming with Babcock, a recognised leader in maritime defence, allows us to merge rapid innovation with proven naval industrial expertise, fast-tracking a crucial operational capability to the front line.”
The joint Babcock-Frankenburg system is envisioned as a pivotal solution for safeguarding military personnel and national infrastructure across Europe and beyond, offering a practical and deployable answer to a pervasive and growing threat.
