British defense giant Babcock International has signed separate agreements with Ark Robotics and Digital Concepts Engineering (DCE) to explore the development, production, integration, and support of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for UK and allied forces.
The partnerships target high-risk frontline missions, including combat logistics, casualty evacuation, automatic concealment, and artillery resupply.
Both agreements were announced at DVD 2026, a biennial defense exhibition backed by the UK Ministry of Defence and the British Army.
Ukraine-Tested A1 Ground Drone
The agreement with Estonia-based Ark Robotics will explore UK production of its A1 ground drone, which is already deployed with Ukrainian forces.
The 13-kilogram (29-pound) platform can reach 40 kilometers (25 miles) per hour, carry a 15-kilogram (33-pound) payload, and operate over a range of 20 kilometers (12 miles).
At DVD 2026, the companies demonstrated an A1 fitted with a concept smoke generator that automatically deploys a smokescreen when and where it is needed.
“Ark Robotics has been at the forefront of the development of unmanned systems in Ukraine,” Ark Robotics CEO Achi Takagama stated.
“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.”
Heavy-Duty UGV and Universal Controls
Babcock’s second agreement, signed with UK-based DCE, centers on integrating the mid-sized X-Series UGV with the Marionette Universal Control System.
The X-Series has a payload capacity of up to 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) and tows up to 3 tonnes (6,614 pounds) across challenging terrain.
Marionette, meanwhile, can convert existing crewed vehicles for remote or autonomous operation.
“Autonomous systems are changing the way modern militaries operate,” said Louise Atkinson, CEO of land and mission systems at Babcock.
“By partnering with Ark Robotics, we can leverage our expertise in autonomy, manufacturing and systems integration to deliver next-generation uncrewed ground systems.”
