► UK’S largest defence company to partner with tech start up on counter drone technologies

February 24, 2026 – BAE Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with defence firm Frankenburg Technologies to explore collaboration opportunities, with an initial focus on addressing the growing challenges of drone warfare.

Both companies will explore opportunities to combine their expertise to accelerate the development of warheads for Frankenburg’s intended mass producible, low-cost missile systems for use in counter drone operations, as well as exploring other future technologies for development.

Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime & Land Defence Solutions business, said:

“Collaborating with innovative companies like Frankenburg Technologies enables us to accelerate the development of advanced, affordable solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

“By bringing together our proven munitions expertise with Frankenburg’s disruptive missile technology, we’re helping to deliver the next generation of counter‑drone capability at pace to stay ahead of emerging threats.”

Dan Hallett, Managing Director of Frankenburg Technologies, said:

“This partnership marks a powerful step forward for the UK defence ecosystem. By bringing together Frankenburg’s agility and rapid innovation with BAE Systems’ scale, industrial depth and global reach, together we’re creating the conditions for new technologies to move from concept to capability far faster.

I am proud that this MoU further highlights the UK as a place where SMEs and primes can collaborate to deliver the next generation of sovereign capability.”

This collaboration is part of BAE Systems’ wider work harnessing its established industrial scale and defence expertise to support disruptive small and medium-sized enterprises in driving technological advancement and performance at pace.