UK Ministry of Defence awards Babcock with '50 million contract to support Ukraine

Babcock has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to support urgent operational requirements for Ukraine’s military land assets as part of the UK’s support for the country.

The initial 12-month contract is worth around £50 million and includes options to extend. It reflects Babcock’s ability to provide critical operational support to armed forces globally whenever, wherever it is required.

The contract will see Babcock provide operational support to armoured vehicles provided by the UK to the Ukrainian military, such as Challenger 2 tanks and the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) – known as CVRT, train Ukrainian personnel and manage vital equipment, supply chains and spares.

This strengthens Babcock’s relationship with Ukraine and builds on the tripartite Memorandum of Implementation signed by Babcock, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the UK Government in June 2021, and recently signed Cooperation Agreement with Ukrainian state defence concern Ukroboronprom to look at potential opportunities to implement joint defence projects in Ukraine.

David Lockwood, Babcock Group CEO said: “We are honoured to stand with the Ukrainian and UK Governments, providing critical support for Ukraine’s urgent military operations. Through the relentless commitment of our teams, and supply chain partners, we will support land defence assets and equipment that Ukrainian troops can have the utmost confidence in. Their mission is our mission.

“What we do at Babcock matters now more than ever and it is a privilege to be by our customers’ side when they need us most.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “This contract delivers essential support for Ukraine on the battlefield, sustaining their military equipment by providing the expertise and skills to keep Ukraine’s armoured vehicles moving, along with the provision of vital spares.

“Our support for Ukraine is unwavering and will continue, for as long as it takes.”

Director DE&S Operations, Major General Anna-Lee Reilly, said: “With the conflict in Ukraine now in its second year, it is critical that the Ministry of Defence continues to assist the Ukrainians with the sustainment of their battle-winning equipment. This is even more important as the Ukrainian counter offensive begins.

“Our defence industry has a critical role to play in sustaining the equipment provided by the United Kingdom. This contract draws together the strengths of prime contractor Babcock, with the vehicle manufacturers – Rheinmetall, BAE Systems and RBSL – to deliver an agile, scalable, and balanced package of support that will continue to assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).”

The contract utilises Babcock’s expertise and experience in supporting British Army vehicles both in the UK and those that are globally deployed – helping to ensure mission readiness for current and next generation platforms. Under its DSG contract with the UK Ministry of Defence, Babcock successfully provides maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of military land vehicles and equipment. Global customers depend on the company’s skills, experience and innovation to help maintain national security, save lives, sustain complex assets and deliver critical services.