As threats from low-cost UAS continue to evolve, the need for effective and adaptable counter-drone capabilities has become increasingly important across the defense and security landscape. This new agreement will create integrated solutions to combat that threat.
The MOU builds on the existing partnership Babcock signed with Frankenburg in January to explore new air defense systems that can withstand the rapid rise in one-way attack drones.
Now with Plymouth-based marine tech firm, ACUA, on board, the parties will bring together three distinct elements: Babcock’s multi-domain launcher system with Frankenburg’s low-cost, precision guided missile systems, integrated into ACUA’s uncrewed surface vessels (USV).
Babcock’s launcher system can be fitted onto both crewed and uncrewed surface vessels, built at pace and scaled quickly. In June, ACUA’s PIONEER USV recently operated continuously for 16–20 nautical miles offshore, completing more than 100 hours at sea without any hands-on intervention.
The tripartite agreement underpins Babcock’s existing defense expertise and supports the UK’s vision for a hybrid navy where Babcock is developing the technologies and capability to underpin this next-generation autonomous capability.
Sir Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer for Babcock, said: “We’re excited to partner with innovative companies to develop an integrated approach that directly addresses some of the biggest challenges our customers face in today’s defense landscape.
“As a trusted systems integrator, collaborations like this will help protect critical national assets and infrastructure from attritable one-way attack drones.”
Neil Tinmouth, CEO of ACUA Ocean Technologies, welcomed the announcement saying: “Partnering with Babcock and Frankenburg enables true persistent, multi-domain defense capabilities. To counter mass drone attacks, maritime air defense must be uninterrupted, yet rough weather often forces traditional systems out of limits. The unique stability of ACUA’s Pioneer-class, which we’ll be using for this collaboration, ensures these counter UAS and interchangeable payloads remain online and fully operational in high seas where other platforms fail.”
Daniel Hallett, Managing Director, UK at Frankenburg Technologies, added: “Affordable missile defense is heading farther out to sea. By equipping ACUA’s uncrewed vessels with Frankenburg’s mass-manufacturable missiles and Babcock’s launcher technology, we aim to create a persistent and low-cost way to protect the UK’s ships, ports, and critical maritime infrastructure against mass drone attacks.”
