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Babcock International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ACUA Ocean Technologies and Frankenburg Technologies to develop integrated counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) solutions for maritime environments. The agreement follows Babcock’s earlier partnership with Frankenburg in January to explore air defence systems capable of countering one-way attack drones. The collaboration aims to combine Babcock’s multi-domain launcher system, Frankenburg’s low-cost precision-guided missiles, and ACUA’s uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) into a unified defence capability.

ACUA Ocean Technologies, a Plymouth-based marine technology firm, will contribute its PIONEER USV, which recently completed over 100 hours of continuous operation offshore without manual intervention. The USV demonstrated endurance of 16–20 nautical miles, highlighting its suitability for persistent maritime missions. The integration of these systems is intended to provide uninterrupted counter-drone protection in challenging sea conditions where traditional platforms may be less effective.

The agreement aligns with Babcock’s role in supporting the UK’s vision for a hybrid navy, focusing on next-generation autonomous capabilities. Sir Nick Hine, Babcock’s Chief Growth Officer, stated the partnership aims to address evolving threats from low-cost attack drones, emphasising the need for adaptable and scalable defence solutions to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.

Neil Tinmouth, CEO of ACUA Ocean Technologies, noted that the collaboration enables persistent, multi-domain defence capabilities, particularly in rough weather where other systems may fail. Daniel Hallett, Managing Director of Frankenburg Technologies UK, added that equipping ACUA’s USVs with affordable, mass-manufacturable missiles and Babcock’s launcher technology would provide a low-cost method to defend UK ships, ports and maritime infrastructure against mass drone attacks.