Babcock is teaming with Frankenburg Technologies to develop a low-cost maritime air defence system to help ships fend off enemy drone attacks.
As per a company press statement, it has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Estonian-based defence technology start-up, which was founded in 2024.
Frankenburg Technologies’ headquarters are in Tallinn, but the company also has bases in Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Its flagship product is its Mark 1 Missile, a 65cm guided interceptor intended to neutralize Group 1–3 drones and loitering munitions.
The Babcock statement noted: “As part of the MOU, we 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.”
Babcock CEO David Lockwood commented: “Defence has entered a new era with the rapid development of drone warfare and industry needs to respond to this growing threat… we’re pleased to be working with Frankenburg Technologies on the development of an innovative maritime counter-drone air defence system.”
And Frankenburg Technologies CEO Kusti Salm added: “Frankenburg Technologies’ mission is clear: to bring affordability and scale to modern air defence… 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.”
- You can read more details on the Babcock website