Babcock and Frankenburg partner on counter-drone air defense system

January 12, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Babcock has signed a memorandum of understanding with Frankenburg Technologies to jointly explore the development of a maritime counter-drone air defense system.

Under the agreement, the two companies will assess the development of a cost-effective, containerised launch platform designed to deploy Frankenburg Technologies’ missiles. The system is intended to provide a kinetic air defense option for countering drone threats, particularly in maritime environments.

The proposed capability is aimed at protecting military personnel and critical national infrastructure that could be exposed to drone attacks across Europe. Both companies say the focus is on affordability, scalability and rapid production, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts where large numbers of low-cost drones have been employed.

Frankenburg Technologies’ engineering activities are led from the UK, and the partnership is expected to support the development of a sovereign defense capability, with potential implications for skilled employment and future export opportunities.

Babcock chief executive David Lockwood said the agreement reflects the need for the industry to adapt to the changing character of warfare driven by the widespread use of drones.

Kusti Salm, CEO, Frankenberg 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.”

No timeline or contract value has been disclosed.

In December last year. Babcock unveiled the new ARMOR Force concept, a networked architecture of autonomous and remote maritime systems designed to supercharge the UK’s next-generation naval capability.