BAE Systems is moving to address the pace and scale of drone warfare by exploring a partnership aimed at low-cost, mass-producible interceptors rather than bespoke air defense solutions.
The UK defense contractor has signed a memorandum of understanding with Frankenburg Technologies, a technology startup developing missile systems designed for counter-drone missions.
Under the agreement, both sides will assess how BAE Systems’ munitions expertise could be applied to accelerate the development of warheads for Frankenburg’s intended missile family, with an emphasis on affordability and rapid production.
According to BAE Systems, the partnership will initially focus on counter-drone warheads but could later expand into other technologies as requirements evolve.
Meanwhile, Frankenburg Technologies Managing Director Dan Hallett said that combining its design approach with BAE Systems’ industrial capacity could help move systems from prototype to operational use more quickly.
Counter-Drone Collaborations Gather Pace
Across Europe, both governments and defense firms are deepening efforts to counter increasingly sophisticated unmanned threats.
In Germany, events in early 2026 highlighted rising interest in indigenous counter-drone systems. KNDS revealed ongoing work on its Tytan counter-drone system, designed to combine radar, optical tracking and effectors into a mobile platform suitable for deployed forces, signaling a push for homegrown solutions to complement layered air defense.
Around the same time, Hensoldt showcased its own Tytan-branded counter-drone suite for battlefield and critical infrastructure protection, integrating advanced sensors and command-and-control tools.
Private-sector innovation in the Baltic region has also gained traction. In September 2025, several firms from Baltic states announced collaborative work on modular counter-drone systems combining radar, optical trackers, and effectors designed for rapid deployment to protect urban areas and key installations.
Furthermore, in February 2026, Estonia announced a program with Hanwha Aerospace to co-develop counter-drone capabilities built around integrated sensors and effectors tailored to protect critical infrastructure and military facilities, reflecting a shift toward layered, sensor-driven defense architectures.
