BAE Systems unveils BlackThorn IAMD warheads

UK firm BAE Systems has unveiled BlackThorn, a new generation of multi-role modular warheads designed specifically for use on autonomous platforms, one-way effectors, counter-drone systems, missiles and uncrewed ground vehicles.

The BlackThorn warhead is adaptable and scalable and can be easily integrated across platforms and systems, says the company. It comprises various warhead options, including 40mm, 70mm and 120mm, which can be integrated across different platforms. It can be configured as a blast, fragmentation, multi-purpose effects and anti-armour warhead and provides a flexible, mission-ready payload without the need for multiple types of weapon systems. BlackThorn is capable of rapid manufacture at scale and low cost, says BAE Systems in a media release.

Early last year, also under a project named Project Black Thorn, the Australian Department of Defence’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, ASCA, announced a $61.5 million investment in two undisclosed companies, in Adelaide and Brisbane, under its Mission 1. This supports the rapid development of technology to degrade an adversary’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) systems at long ranges; this is a capability priority for the ADF identified in the National Defence Strategy (NDS).

BAE Systems’ BlackThorn has been selected as the first new-generation warhead to be integrated into Frankenburg Technologies’ Mark I short-range air defence missile. This follows the collaboration agreement signed between the companies earlier this year. Frankenburg Technologies is an Estonia-based European defence technology company developing affordable, mass-manufacturable missile systems. The company was founded in 2024 and operates across Europe, including the United Kingdom.

“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.”

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.”

It has been developed in an accelerated timescale through extensive use of modelling, simulation and digital engineering followed by validation through a wide programme of testing.

Early last year ASCA signed 12-month contracts the two undisclosed companies to further develop and demonstrate the BlackThorn capability. Due to security sensitivities, however, the identity of the companies and details of the technologies involved were not disclosed, and nor were details of the acquisition methodology pursued by Defence.