LONDON — BAE Systems has unveiled BlackThorn, a new family of modular, multi-role warheads developed for autonomous systems, loitering munitions, counter-drone interceptors, missiles, and other low-cost weapon platforms. The system was introduced during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, held from 20 to 24 July.
Designed around a common modular architecture, BlackThorn enables manufacturers to integrate the same warhead family across multiple weapon platforms without developing a new warhead for each system. The design allows users to select the required caliber and terminal effect based on mission requirements.
Modular Design Across Multiple Calibers
The BlackThorn family is available in 40 mm, 70 mm, and 120 mm caliber options, with the largest variant having an actual diameter of 127 mm.
The 40 mm version is intended for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mini-missiles, and compact interceptor systems. According to BAE Systems, it measures 96 mm in length and weighs approximately 0.35–0.37 kg, depending on configuration.
The 70 mm variant is designed for larger platforms, including attack helicopters, maritime autonomous systems, and larger strike drones. It measures 186 mm in length and weighs between 2.2 kg and 2.35 kg.
The 127 mm variant is available in lengths ranging from 225 mm to 305 mm and weighs between 3.25 kg and 12.4 kg, depending on the selected configuration.
All BlackThorn variants share a common platform-agnostic architecture and incorporate electronic safety and arming systems.
Multiple Warhead Effects
The modular family supports several warhead effects, including blast, enhanced fragmentation, explosively formed penetrator (EFP) for anti-armor missions, and multi-effect shaped charge configurations.
This approach enables a single warhead family to engage a wide range of targets while reducing the requirement to stock multiple specialized munitions. According to BAE Systems, the warheads are currently in low-rate initial production for testing and evaluation at the company's Glascoed facility in Wales.
The company said the development process combined modeling, simulation, digital engineering, and testing, supported by its experience in warhead design, energetic materials, and fuzing technology.
Frankenburg Technologies Becomes First Customer
BAE Systems also announced that Frankenburg Technologies, an Estonia-based defense company operating across the United Kingdom and Europe, has become the first customer for the BlackThorn family.
The company selected the 40 mm enhanced fragmentation variant for integration into its Mark I short-range air defense missile.
Mark I Interceptor Specifications
The Mark I is a compact, solid-fuel interceptor designed to engage Class I, II, and III unmanned aerial systems.
According to Frankenburg Technologies, the missile:
- Measures 660 mm in length.
- Has a 60 mm diameter.
- Weighs under 2 kg at launch.
- Can intercept targets at distances of up to 2 km.
- Can engage targets at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters.
- Is designed to intercept propeller-driven drones flying at 150–200 km/h and jet-powered drones traveling at 400–650 km/h.
- Uses fire-and-forget guidance and proximity fuzing.
The company aims to manufacture approximately 100 missiles per day, or around 10,000 missiles annually. Frankenburg Technologies has also secured a UK Ministry of Defence contract to establish domestic manufacturing capacity under the Low-Cost Air Defence Effectors program.
Partnership Reflects Broader Procurement Trend
The collaboration between BAE Systems and Frankenburg Technologies reflects a broader trend in European defense procurement, where established defense manufacturers are partnering with newer companies to accelerate the development and production of military systems.
Company Statements
Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime and Land Defence Solutions, said:
"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. This innovation provides an advanced, affordable solution that meets the evolving needs of our customers."
Dan Hallett, Managing Director of Frankenburg Technologies UK, said:
"Frankenburg was founded to deliver affordable mass at the speed demanded by modern warfare. 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."
BAE Systems said BlackThorn is intended to support the growing demand for attritable platforms, autonomous systems, missiles, and counter-drone capabilities by providing a modular payload that can be integrated across multiple weapon systems.
Source : baesystems
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