British defense firm Babcock has partnered with Latvia-based Frankenburg Technologies to explore the development of a cost-effective maritime counter-drone system aimed at addressing the growing threat posed by one-way attack drones. The initiative reflects lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, where such drones have challenged traditional Western air defense systems. The proposed solution centers on a containerized launcher capable of deploying Frankenburg’s low-cost interceptors, designed for rapid, scalable manufacturing. Intended for maritime use, the system would protect naval vessels, ports, and offshore infrastructure by detecting, tracking, and neutralizing hostile drones through integrated sensors and kinetic or electronic countermeasures. Development work will take place in the UK, supporting skilled employment and creating future export opportunities. Frankenburg recently demonstrated its Mark 1 guided rocket, which successfully intercepted a Shahed-sized drone traveling at high speed, highlighting the interceptor’s potential effectiveness in operational environments.
