Milrem Robotics, the world’s leading developer of robotics and autonomous systems, and Frankenburg Technologies, a European missile technology company building affordable guided interceptor systems, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Eurosatory 2026 to cooperate on next-generation unmanned counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities.
The cooperation will focus on integrating Frankenburg’s Mark I missile — a compact precision-guided interceptor designed specifically for affordable and scalable counter-UAS operations — onto Milrem’s unmanned ground platforms.
By combining affordable guided interceptors with unmanned mobile platforms, the companies aim to create a new category of distributed short-range air defence solutions designed to protect critical national infrastructure and military installations against increasingly large-scale drone threats. Such systems would be capable of autonomously repositioning, rapidly engaging aerial threats, and sustaining distributed short-range air defence coverage at significantly lower cost than conventional air defence solutions.
Frankenburg’s Mark I is the world’s first cost-effective, mass-manufacturable guided interceptor missile, addressing a rapidly growing market need driven by the proliferation of low-cost aerial threats. Built for scalable industrial production using commercially available components, Mark I reduces short-range intercept costs by more than 10 times compared to conventional systems.
Milrem Robotics brings extensive experience in unmanned ground systems and modular platforms capable of hosting and integrating advanced defence payloads and is seeking to enhance its systems with next-generation air defence capabilities.
“The era of scarce air defence is ending,” said Kusti Salm, CEO of Frankenburg Technologies. “Together with Milrem Robotics, we are putting affordable guided missiles on robotic combat platforms, enabling mobile short-range air defence at a scale and cost that was previously economically impossible.”
Additionally, the Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for conducting joint trials and demonstrations, exploring industrial cooperation, including the localisation of capabilities and potential production pathways, and joint marketing and promotion of the combined capability to defence and security customers.
The companies aim to conduct a joint system demonstration within approximately twelve months.
“Unmanned and distributed systems are becoming increasingly important in modern defence,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics. “This cooperation allows us to explore how advanced C-UAS effectors can be integrated onto our platforms to enhance force protection and air defence while reducing risk to personnel. Frankenburg’s approach aligns well with our vision of modular, scalable and mission-adaptable unmanned solutions.”
By combining Frankenburg’s effector technology with Milrem’s unmanned platforms, the parties aim to enhance force protection and air defence options while reducing risk to personnel through unmanned solutions tailored to modern operational environments.
