UK partners will integrate autonomous surface vessels, multi-domain launcher systems and precision-guided missiles to develop scalable counter-UAS solutions for maritime defence and security operations
Babcock has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UK marine technology company ACUA Ocean Technologies and defence technology specialist Frankenburg Technologies to jointly develop integrated counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) solutions for maritime operations.
The agreement responds to the growing threat posed by low-cost uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), which are increasingly challenging defence and security forces worldwide. By combining their respective technologies, the three companies aim to deliver adaptable, cost-effective maritime counter-drone capabilities.
The collaboration expands on Babcock’s existing partnership with Frankenburg Technologies, announced earlier this year, which focuses on developing next-generation air defence systems capable of countering the rapid proliferation of 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 defence 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 defence 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 ACUA Ocean Technologies, welcomed the announcement saying: “Partnering with Babcock and Frankenburg enables true persistent, multi-domain defence capabilities. To counter mass drone attacks, maritime air defence 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 defence 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.”
