Babcock has brought seven technology and defense companies into its ARMOR Force framework, expanding its industry team for a hybrid navy that integrates crewed and uncrewed vessels with sensors, software, and mission systems.
The new partners are CUBEDIN, Exail, Hensoldt, Kraken Technology Group, SH Defence, Stormborn, and Thales.
They will bring expertise in autonomous platforms, payloads, communications, and other maritime technologies to the initiative.
Babcock will serve as the systems integrator, ensuring the various equipment and software work together and providing support throughout their service lives.
The framework is intended to give naval customers a single point of responsibility for integration, testing, training, and ongoing support.
Linking Crewed and Uncrewed Systems
ARMOR Force is designed to connect conventionally crewed vessels, ships operating with smaller crews, and uncrewed systems within a shared operating environment.
The approach keeps humans in control of operational objectives and decisions while allowing autonomous systems to carry out assigned tasks.
Alongside the new partnerships, Babcock is continuing its previously announced work with HII and Arondite.
Arondite’s Cobalt software is intended to coordinate the different technologies and systems deployed on ARMOR Force vessels.
Babcock said the framework’s modular architecture would allow additional suppliers and equipment to be incorporated as naval requirements evolve.
The company’s facilities at Rosyth in Scotland and Devonport in southwest England will support engineering, integration, simulation, testing, and maintenance.