Babcock and Frankenburg Technologies have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to tackle the escalating threat of one-way attack drones. The partnership aims to develop an affordable, containerised air defence system, leveraging Frankenburg’s low-cost missiles and Babcock’s maritime expertise.
This isn’t just about innovation—it’s about agility. The rapid evolution of drone warfare demands swift, scalable solutions. The new platform will provide a cost-effective way to protect military personnel and critical infrastructure across Europe. With Frankenburg’s engineering led from the UK, the collaboration will foster sovereign capability, creating skilled jobs and opening global export opportunities.
David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, underscored the urgency: “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, echoed this sentiment: “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.”
The partnership signals a strategic shift in how defence contractors are responding to asymmetric threats. By combining Frankenburg’s cutting-edge missile technology with Babcock’s maritime systems integration, the duo aims to deliver a solution that is not only affordable but also rapidly deployable.
This collaboration could set a precedent for future defence projects, where startups and established players join forces to bridge the gap between innovation and operational readiness. The focus on containerised, scalable systems reflects a broader industry trend towards modular, adaptable defence solutions.
As drone warfare continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will be crucial in ensuring that defence capabilities keep pace with emerging threats. The collaboration between Babcock and Frankenburg Technologies is a step towards a more resilient, adaptable defence landscape, one that can effectively counter the dynamic challenges posed by modern warfare.