DVD 2026: Babcock, Ark Robotics partner on UK production of A1 UGV

Ark Robotics' Ark-1 UGV with ground control seen during NATO's Crystal Arrow exercise in Latvia on 11 March, 2026. (Janes/Tamara Rozouvan)

Babcock and Ark Robotics have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore manufacturing Ark Robotics' A1 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) in the UK for British and allied forces.

Announced at the DVD 2026 exhibition on 16 September, the agreement covers potential UK manufacturing and systems and payload integration. The companies will explore the provision of training, logistics, infrastructure, and operational support for the platform.

The agreement is also intended to explore opportunities involving Ark Robotics' Frontier autonomous navigation system, which enables a single operator to control multiple vehicles.

Founded in Ukraine in 202, Ark Robotics is now headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. Its A1 UGV (which has also in the past been called the Ark-1) is already deployed with the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), according to Babcock. According to the company the A1 has:

Ark Robotics A1 UGV - Source: Ark RoboticsMaximum speed40 km/hUseful load15 kgWeight12.5 kgSuspensionIndependentDriveElectric 4x4Effective range20+ km

UGVs of this type can be employed for tasks including delivering ammunition, weapons, and other supplies to frontline positions, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), generating smokescreens, and remote detonation for dugout and building clearance.

At DVD 2026, Babcock and Ark Robotics demonstrated an A1 equipped with a concept smoke generator. According to Babcock, the configuration can automatically deploy a smokescreen at a required location.

Under the MoU, Babcock intends to apply its manufacturing, systems integration, and through-life support capabilities to the UGV. Louise Atkinson, chief executive of Babcock's Land and Mission Systems sector, said the partnership would combine the company's experience in autonomy, manufacturing, and systems integration with Ark Robotics' technology to develop UGVs for UK and international customers.