Babcock and Ark Robotics partner

Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, and Ark Robotics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore manufacturing uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) in the UK, bringing a platform already proven on the frontline in Ukraine to British and allied forces.

The agreement, signed at DVD 2026, signals the intention for both companies to jointly explore UK manufacturing, systems integration and payload integration, along with the development of a full support solution including training, logistics, infrastructure and operational support. They will also explore opportunities for Ark Robotics’ Frontier system, which provides robots with autonomous navigation capabilities and allows a single operator to control multiple vehicles at once.

UGVs are taking on a rapidly growing share of frontline tasks, re-supplying teams with ammunition, weapons and equipment. They lay smokescreens and evacuate casualties, keeping people out of the most exposed positions. Ark Robotics’ A1, which is deployed with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has a range of up to 20km per charge, a top speed of 40kph and a payload capacity of 15kg.

As a leading manufacturing and systems integration partner, Babcock is well positioned to work with Ark Robotics to develop and deliver UGV solutions and autonomous systems. At DVD 2026, Babcock and Ark Robotics are demonstrating the A1 fitted with a Concept smoke generator, which lays a smokescreen automatically, where and when it is needed.

Louise Atkinson, Chief Executive of Babcock’s Land and Mission Systems sector, said: “In a more volatile and unpredictable world, our customers need the latest and most innovative solutions to ensure they maintain the operational edge. As a business, we connect people, platforms, technology, information and operations across every domain – and by partnering with Ark Robotics, we can leverage our expertise in autonomy, manufacturing and systems integration to deliver next-generation uncrewed ground systems for the UK and international customers.”

Achi Takagama, CEO, Ark Robotics, added: “Ark Robotics has been at the forefront of the development of unmanned systems in Ukraine. We are building infrastructure for a future in which militaries field many times more unmanned systems than soldiers. Meeting that shift requires more than technology. It requires the manufacturing capacity, systems integration and through-life support that turn a proven platform into a sovereign capability. Partnering with Babcock, a global defence leader, is how we bring what we have learned on the frontline to the UK and other allies at scale.”

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