Babcock International Group (Babcock) and Frankenburg Technologies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a new and affordable air defence system in response to the increase of one-way attack drones.

As part of the MoU, Babcock, a world leader in designing and manufacturing maritime launch systems, will develop a cost-effective, containerised platform for launching Frankenburg’s new low-cost missiles, which it is manufacturing at pace, specifically to defend against one-way attack drones.

This joint capability will provide more affordable, scalable and kinetic solutions which are needed to be developed to protect military personnel and critical national infrastructure sites which could be exposed to attack across Europe.

With Frankenburg’s engineering function led from the UK, the relationship will provide both organisations with the opportunity to develop a new sovereign capability, creating skilled employment in the UK and providing Babcock and Frankenburg with global export opportunities.

David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, said: “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, added: “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.”

About Babcock

Babcock is a FTSE 100 international defence company, operating in the UK, Australasia, Canada, France, and South Africa with exports to additional markets. We deliver complex support and product solutions to enhance our customers’ defence capabilities and critical assets. We are driven by our purpose: to create a safe and secure world, together.

About Frankenburg Technologies

Frankenburg Technologies is a defence technology company, operating in the United Kingdom, Tallinn, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. A third of the engineering function is based in the UK. Company is developing next-generation interceptor missiles for short-range air defence and counter-UAS. Systems are designed to protect armed forces and critical national infrastructure from large-scale aerial threats. Designed to be fast, lightweight, and mass-manufacturable, Frankenburg’s missile systems drastically lower intercept cost and complement existing layered air defence architectures.