BAE Systems unveils new-gen BlackThorn warhead for drones, missiles and air-defence systems
BAE Systems unveiled its new-generation BlackThorn multi-role modular warhead during the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow on 21 July.
Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern autonomous and precision-guided weapon systems, BlackThorn has been developed to provide a flexible, tailorable and scalable solution for a broad spectrum of platforms, including autonomous systems, one-way effectors, counter-drone interceptors, missiles and uncrewed ground vehicles.
Introducing BlackThorn™: a new generation multi-role modular warhead built for autonomous platforms.
— BAE Systems (@BAESystemsplc) July 21, 2026
With a modular architecture spanning 40mm, 70mm and 120mm options, BlackThorn™ is designed for one-way effectors, counter-drone systems, missiles and uncrewed ground vehicles… pic.twitter.com/GLpR8WMGJh
A defining feature of BlackThorn lies within its modular architecture, which enables the same core technology to be adapted across various calibre options, including 40mm, 70mm and 120mm variants.
According to BAE Systems, the warhead can be easily integrated across different weapon systems, reducing development timelines in support of rapid capability upgrades as operational requirements continue to evolve.
The firm adds that BlackThorn has been engineered to deliver enhanced lethality against a diverse range of targets while maintaining the flexibility required for new and emerging mission sets. Its modular design also allows operators to tailor the warhead to meet their own specific needs, reflecting a growing emphasis on adaptable, software-enabled and rapidly deployable defence technologies across the global market.
Commenting on this, 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 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,” he added.
Frankenburg Technologies to field BlackThorn on Mark 1 SHORAD system
BlackThorn’s unveiling during the Farnborough International Airshow also highlighted an early programme milesone, with BAE Systems confirming that the warhead had already been selected for integration into Frankenburg Technologies’ Mark I short-range air-defence (SHORAD) missile.
The announcement came after the two companies signed a collaboration agreement in February 2026.
This partnership demonstrates the firm’s ambition to position the warhead as a versatile effect for both offensive and defensive applications, particularly as global armed forces seek more affordable and scalable solutions to counter increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.
Commenting on BlackThorn’s selection for the Mark I system, Dan Hallett – Managing Director of Frankenburg Technologies – 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,” he explained.
BlackThorn’s debut at Farnborough underscores BAE Systems’ continued investment in advanced munitions and autonomous warfare technologies. As global armed forces continue to accelerate the adoption of autonomous systems and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities, modular warhead payloads – like BlackThorn – are expected to play an increasingly crucial role in offering commonality across multiple platforms while reducing both logistical burdens and overall lifecycle costs.
