Frankenburg Technologies Secures €30M to Bolster European Missile Production

Tallinn-based Frankenburg Technologies, a European defense tech startup focused on affordable, mass-manufacturable missile systems and sovereign production capacity, has raised €30 million in Series A funding. The investment will be used to expand missile production across Europe, addressing a critical bottleneck in air defense capabilities.

Addressing Europe’s Air Defense Needs

Founded in 2024, Frankenburg Technologies was created in response to a shifting security landscape in Europe. Modern aerial threats, including low-cost drones and cruise missile-like targets, are becoming increasingly prevalent, while traditional missile manufacturing has prioritized performance over speed, cost, and the ability to rapidly regenerate supplies. Frankenburg aims to address this imbalance by producing affordable missile systems designed for mass production and rapid regeneration.

Funding Details and Expansion Plans

The €30 million Series A funding round was led by Plural, with participation from SmartCap. This brings Frankenburg’s total funding to €40 million. The company plans to use the funds to establish multi-site missile production facilities and expand its footprint in the UK and Germany. According to reports, Frankenburg is aiming to establish two mass production sites capable of producing over 100 missiles per day per site.

Leadership and Expertise

Frankenburg Technologies is led by CEO Kusti Salm, former Permanent Secretary of Estonia’s Ministry of Defence. The company’s team comprises senior defense leaders and missile engineers with experience in leading European and allied missile programs, including IRIS-T, SPEAR3, Storm Shadow, and Brimstone. Founders Taavi Madiberk (Chairman) and Marko Virkebau (Board Member) bring serial deep-tech entrepreneurial experience to the venture.

Focus on Sovereign Production

A key aspect of Frankenburg’s strategy is establishing sovereign production infrastructure within Europe. This focus on domestic manufacturing aims to enhance Europe’s defense independence and resilience, reducing reliance on external suppliers. The company currently operates across eight European countries, with local entities and teams.

Looking Ahead

Frankenburg Technologies is positioned to play a significant role in rebuilding the economics of air defense in Europe. By prioritizing scale, speed, and sovereign manufacturing, the company aims to provide low-cost, precision-guided systems across air, surface, and maritime domains, addressing a critical need for affordable and readily available missile defense capabilities.