Babcock to showcase integrated vision for future naval capability at Euronaval
Euronaval 2026 will see Babcock showcase how its proven platforms, advanced technology and long-term industrial partnerships can help allied navies build greater operational capability, resilience and strategic autonomy
As a critical enabler of national defence, at the centre of its presence will be ARMOR Force, (Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response) Babcock’s approach to hybrid navies, integrating crewed, lean-crewed and uncrewed systems with mission systems, digital technologies and modular payloads through a common architecture able to support allied interoperability.
The concept builds on Babcock’s long-standing expertise across surface ships, mission systems, nuclear, autonomy and through-life support, bringing these capabilities together to help customers create naval forces that can adapt as technology, threats and operational requirements evolve.
From proven platform to integrated force
At the heart of ARMOR Force is Arrowhead 140, which can operate as a Common Combat Vessel and digital command hub, coordinating distributed autonomous systems, sensors and modular mission payloads.
As a strategic defence partner of choice for governments, Arrowhead 140 demonstrates Babcock’s ability to adapt proven designs and successfully deliver major defence programmes internationally.
The platform underpins the Royal Navy’s five-ship Type 31 Inspiration-class programme, with 4 of the 5 ships now in production and two undertaking outfitting at Babcock’s world-class digitally enabled Rosyth facility, using a build model which is transferable internationally.
In August, Poland launched ORP Wicher, the first of three Miecznik-class frigates being constructed in Gdynia and based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 design. The programme combines an established platform and international expertise with Polish construction, skills and industrial capability and benefits from the Transfer of Knowledge and Technology being delivered by Babcock. And in Indonesia, Babcock’s AH140 design is the baseline design for the country’s Merah-Putih frigate build programme.
Together, Type 31, Miecznik and Merah-Putih programmes demonstrate Babcock’s ability to take a proven platform, adapt it around a customer’s requirements and build the partnerships, skills and sovereign industrial capability required to deliver it. And with opportunities in markets including New Zealand and other allied nations, where naval recapitalisation programmes are emerging, this expertise is notably timely.
A partnership model built with Denmark
That experience is particularly relevant as Denmark considers its future frigate requirements.
Arrowhead 140 evolved from Denmark’s Iver Huitfeldt design, developed by Danish company OMT, creating a platform with Danish heritage that has subsequently secured the programmes in the UK, Poland and Indonesia.
Babcock is now building on that shared heritage through deeper partnerships with Danish industry.
In August, Babcock signed agreements with a number of Danish companies, covering areas including autonomous systems integration, hybrid naval capabilities and naval platform systems.
It has also established a collaboration with Danske Flådeskibe, bringing Babcock together with OMT, Terma, PensionDanmark and Semco Maritime to develop a joint UK-Danish industrial approach to future Danish frigates.
This combination of a proven design and delivery experience with national industry, skills and technology so that capability can be built, supported and evolved sovereignly over the long-term provides a benchmark for modern shipbuilding.
Experience to deliver the future naval force
Babcock’s expertise extends beyond the ship.
Combined with Babcock’s cross sector expertise the company is not simply just a platform provider, but a naval systems integrator and long-term capability partner, able to design, build, integrate, support, repurpose and decommission increasingly complex maritime assets.
Meet Babcock at Euronaval
Visitors to the Babcock stand (C30) will be able to explore ARMOR Force, the Common Combat Vessel concept and Arrowhead 140, alongside capabilities in mission systems, autonomy, digital technology and through-life support. Look out for more announcements and technology demonstrations at the show.
Proven today, ready for tomorrow.
Contact our event team to book a meeting with our experts, or visit us at the show.