BAE Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UK defence start up Frankenburg Technologies to explore collaboration on counter drone technologies, with an initial focus on warhead development for low cost missile systems.
The agreement will see the two companies assess opportunities to combine their respective expertise to accelerate the development of warheads for Frankenburg’s intended mass producible missile systems designed for counter drone operations. The partners will also explore wider opportunities for future technology development.
Growing Drone Challenges
BAE Systems said the collaboration aligns its established munitions capability with Frankenburg’s emerging missile concepts to address the growing operational challenges posed by drone warfare.
Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime and Land Defence Solutions business, said collaboration with innovative companies enables the company to accelerate delivery of advanced and affordable capabilities.
“By bringing together our proven munitions expertise with Frankenburg’s disruptive missile technology, we are helping to deliver the next generation of counter drone capability at pace to stay ahead of emerging threats,” he said.
SME and Prime Collaboration
Frankenburg Technologies’ Managing Director Dan Hallett described the agreement as a positive development for the UK defence sector, highlighting the role of collaboration between small and medium sized enterprises and prime contractors.
“By bringing together Frankenburg’s agility and rapid innovation with BAE Systems’ scale, industrial depth and global reach, we are creating the conditions for new technologies to move from concept to capability far faster,” he said. “This MoU further highlights the UK as a place where SMEs and primes can collaborate to deliver the next generation of sovereign capability.”
BAE Systems said the agreement forms part of its wider strategy to harness its industrial scale and defence expertise to support innovative SMEs in advancing new technologies and accelerating performance.
