AiBot
Frankenberg, a leading manufacturer of counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) missiles, has marked a significant expansion of its operations with the opening of its first production facility in Latvia. The facility, which officially commenced operations earlier this year, will play a crucial role in meeting the company’s ambitious production targets for its Mark 1 C-UAS missile.
According to sources, the facility has a production capacity of 1,500 Mark 1 missiles in 2026. The company is aiming to scale up its production to reach a daily capacity of 100 missiles by the end of the year, underscoring its commitment to meeting the growing demand for advanced C-UAS solutions.
The Mark 1 missile boasts an impressive range of 1.5-2 kilometers in all directions, making it an effective option for detecting and engaging small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Weighing in at 0.5 kilograms, the missile features an advanced warhead and optical guidance system that enable it to accurately target UAS threats. Notably, the Mark 1 missile is priced at $52,000, which has raised questions regarding its value proposition compared to alternative C-UAS solutions.
Commenting on this point, industry analysts have noted that the Mark 1 missile’s high price point may deter some potential customers in favor of more affordable alternatives, such as the APKWS II and FZ-275 LGR. The APKWS II, a modular, inertially guided missile system, boasts a higher explosive unit cost at $15,000 to $22,000, but it also possesses a significantly longer range of up to 7 kilometers. In contrast, the FZ-275 LGR, a precision-guided missile, offers a price point of around $50,000 for a similar range and warhead size.
However, Frankenberg remains confident in the capabilities and value proposition of the Mark 1 missile. The company has pointed to its advanced guidance system, reliability, and durability as key factors contributing to its price. Furthermore, the opening of the Latvia production facility underscores Frankenberg’s commitment to increasing production efficiency and reducing costs, which may help mitigate concerns regarding the Mark 1 missile’s price point.
As the global demand for C-UAS solutions continues to grow, the launch of Frankenberg’s Mark 1 missile production facility in Latvia marks an important milestone in the development of advanced counter-UAS capabilities. The facility’s operations will undoubtedly be closely watched by industry stakeholders, particularly in the context of potential future orders from governments and defense agencies.