General Atomics

Babcock and Frankenburg Technologies partner on counter-drone system

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

Above: David Lockwood, CEO Babcock and Kusti Salm, CEO, Frankenberg Technologies.
Courtesy Babcock 


As part of the MoU, Babcock 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, 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, 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.”

Related

Edgewing opens engineering hub in Italy with UK site to follow
The GCAP fighter jet
Edgewing opens engineering hub in Italy with UK site to follow
The first of three engineering hubs designed to support the development of the future GCAP fighter has opening, with similar sites in the UK and Japan coming soon.
Aerospace Defence

9 Oct 2026

Marshall Aerospace begins new chapter as Aurelius acquisition completes
Marshall Aerospace C-130s
Marshall Aerospace begins new chapter as Aurelius acquisition completes
The completion of AURELIUS' acquisition of Marshall Aerospace marks a new chapter in the company's illustrious history, which spans more than a century of engineering excellence, innovation and service.
UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
SaxaVord Spaceport, Shetland
UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
The UK and Germany have agreed to deepen space launch cooperation, with Scotland's SaxaVord Spaceport securing European access to orbit.
Aerospace Defence Space

9 Oct 2026

RAF Marham runway repairs strengthen its operational resilience
RAF F-35B 207 sqdrn
RAF Marham runway repairs strengthen its operational resilience
The resilience of RAF Marham’s airfield infrastructure has been reinforced following the completion of vital runway repairs, whilst maintaining support for Lightning Force operations.
Defence Member News

11 Oct 2026

Sentinel Photonics brings multiple laser detection sensors into one hub
Sentinel Photonics' LASARD MAX Connect
Sentinel Photonics brings multiple laser detection sensors into one hub
With one single hub that joins up laser detection sensors, operators can now see, share and act on laser threats across a wide area in real time.
AI to help SMEs win defence contracts: Inside Strategical’s solution
Aerospace SME using AI to win defence contracts
AI to help SMEs win defence contracts: Inside Strategical’s solution
Smaller suppliers can struggle to turn technical capability into defence orders. Strategical is using AI to make specialist bidding expertise more accessible and help businesses focus on work they can realistically secure.
Defence Member News

10 Oct 2026

UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
SaxaVord Spaceport, Shetland
UK and Germany back SaxaVord in new European space launch deal
The UK and Germany have agreed to deepen space launch cooperation, with Scotland's SaxaVord Spaceport securing European access to orbit.
Aerospace Defence Space

9 Oct 2026

Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
Satellite in Earth orbit
Excelerate Technology to build UK CNI robotic security solution
In a project co-funded by the European Space Agency Business Applications and Space Solutions (ESA BASS) and supported by the UK Space Agency, Excelerate Technology will build and demonstrate how space-enabled assets can provide innovative safety and security solutions, including protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) at a site in the UK.
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
ESA Argonaut
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
Space

5 Oct 2026

Sentinel Photonics brings multiple laser detection sensors into one hub
Sentinel Photonics' LASARD MAX Connect
Sentinel Photonics brings multiple laser detection sensors into one hub
With one single hub that joins up laser detection sensors, operators can now see, share and act on laser threats across a wide area in real time.
Big cargo drones complete first BVLOS delivery to North Sea wind farm
Skyports and Ørsted North Sea wind farm cargo drone trial
Big cargo drones complete first BVLOS delivery to North Sea wind farm
Skyports and Ørsted conducted a complex North Sea cargo drone trial, illustrating how heavy loads can safely and efficiently be delivered offshore beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
Aerospace Security

9 Oct 2026

UK Government and UKRI invest £54m to prevent future disease outbreaks
Poultry facility
UK Government and UKRI invest £54m to prevent future disease outbreaks
The UK Government and UKRI are investing £54 million in biosecurity research to tackle antimicrobial resistance, improve disease outbreak preparedness, develop next-generation vaccines and strengthen protection against emerging biological threats.
Security

8 Oct 2026