Babcock and Saab Denmark to develop Arrowhead frigate opportunities

Babcock and Saab Denmark have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the development and integration of shipborne communications systems for opportunities associated with Babcock’s Arrowhead frigate platform.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two companies, including supporting customer engagement activities, technical information exchange and systems integration studies with a focus on future Arrowhead opportunities that will meet evolving naval requirements worldwide.

It reinforces Babcock’s longstanding commitment to delivering sovereign capability through strong national industrial partnerships. Building on the company’s established approach in programmes such as the Arrowhead 140-based Miecznik frigate programme in Poland, the Merah Putih programme in Indonesia and the UK’s Type 31 design and build.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Executive – Marine, Babcock said: “Working with local capability sits at the heart of our approach to naval programmes around the world. Through this agreement with Saab Denmark, we are bringing together complementary expertise to explore how advanced communications capabilities can be integrated into future Arrowhead opportunities, including those in Denmark.

“Our experience in building strong industrial partnerships across the globe has demonstrated the value of creating national ecosystems of suppliers and technology partners that deliver long-term benefits for customers, industry and national security. “

Building local expertise and resilient supply chains into sovereign naval programmes

The agreement reflects Babcock’s approach to building naval programmes through local expertise, resilient supply chains and partnerships.

As interest in the Arrowhead platform continues to grow internationally, the collaboration will further boost the development of an ecosystem of Denmark-based companies capable of contributing advanced technology, skills and innovation to future sovereign programmes whilst strengthening national defence industrial capability.

Henrik Madsen, Chief Commercial Officer, Saab Denmark A/S said: “Saab Danmark offers proven expertise in integrating and sustaining mission-critical communication systems for naval customers.

“With strong local engineering capabilities, software development expertise and decades of operational experience, we help ensure secure, reliable and interoperable communications that support mission success throughout the capability lifecycle.”

Babcock backs a sovereign capability model for naval programmes, working alongside local industry to transfer knowledge, develop skills and create sustainable national shipbuilding and support capabilities. The company’s approach combines an internationally proven platform with local industrial participation, helping nations strengthen their defence capabilities while maximising economic and industrial benefits.