Babcock advances Anglo-Danish naval cooperation with new agreements

Babcock International announced three Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Danish companies STORMBORN, CUBEDIN, and SH Group at DALO Industry Days, focusing on hybrid naval capabilities and autonomous systems integration. The agreements aim to support a future Danish fleet where crewed ships and unmanned systems operate together, in line with the UK Royal Navy’s Hybrid Navy approach. These partnerships are intended to enhance the Royal Danish Navy’s capabilities and contribute to the broader Danish defence ecosystem. The collaborations were unveiled during an event highlighting closer industrial ties between the UK and Denmark.

The MOUs follow the UK’s commitment to a Hybrid Navy, which combines crewed warships with AI-enabled autonomous systems to adapt to evolving warfare. Babcock’s partnerships with Danish firms seek to develop and deliver these capabilities, with input from the Royal Danish Navy. Sir Nick Hine, Babcock’s Chief Growth Officer, emphasised the long-standing maritime heritage and defence cooperation between the UK and Denmark, citing the Arrowhead 140 frigate programme as an example of successful collaboration.

STORMBORN’s CEO, Frederik Søndergaard Hansen, highlighted the need for innovative solutions and system interoperability to build a Hybrid Navy capable of addressing modern threats. The company’s cooperation with Babcock will explore integrating uncrewed technology into larger naval programmes, creating new capabilities for Denmark and allied nations. CUBEDIN’s CEO, Danny Ingemann, noted that future naval operations require seamless collaboration between crewed and uncrewed systems, with a focus on standardised interfaces to simplify integration and enhance fleet flexibility.

SH Group’s CEO, Kaare Vang Jensen, described the MOU with Babcock as a milestone for delivering modular mission solutions that meet the needs of modern naval operations. The partnership aims to strengthen the supply chain, support the Royal Danish Navy, and reinforce international defence industrial cooperation. The agreements underscore the enduring UK-Denmark relationship, rooted in shared democratic values, NATO commitments, and collective security efforts amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.