BlackThorn is designed for autonomous platforms, one-way effectors, counter-drone systems, missiles and uncrewed ground vehicles. BAE Systems said it is also intended for rapid manufacture at scale and low cost.
The company said BlackThorn has been selected for integration into Frankenburg’s Mark I short-range air defence missile. BAE described that selection as a sign of confidence in the emerging warhead capability.
The integration follows a collaboration agreement signed by BAE Systems and Frankenburg earlier this year. It links BAE’s warhead work with Frankenburg’s focus on low-cost missile production.
“BlackThorn combines decades of expertise in warhead design, energetic materials and fuzing with our proven experience in delivering high-volume munitions to demonstrate a new way of thinking about payloads for a range of platforms that meet the demands of the modern battlefield,” said Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime and Land Defence Solutions. “This innovation provides an advanced, affordable solution that meets the evolving needs of our customers and delivers multi-role warheads for the next generation of attritable platforms, missiles, autonomous platforms and counter drone capability at pace to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
BlackThorn is built as an adaptable and scalable system. BAE Systems said it includes 40mm, 70mm and 120mm warhead options that can be integrated across different platforms.
Its modular architecture supports blast, fragmentation, multi-purpose and anti-armour effects. The company said this provides a mission-ready payload without requiring multiple types of weapon systems.
“Frankenburg was founded to deliver affordable mass at the speed demanded by modern warfare,” said Dan Hallett, Managing Director of Frankenburg Technologies UK. “Our collaboration with BAE Systems brings together advanced UK warhead technology and low-cost missile manufacturing to create a scalable interceptor capability.”
“Together, we are proving that effective air defence can be delivered quickly, at scale, and at a price point that enables mass deployment.” The statement places BlackThorn inside a wider push for scalable air defence against fast-changing threats.
BAE Systems said the warhead was developed on an accelerated schedule. The programme used modelling, simulation and digital engineering before validation through a broad testing effort.
