Babcock and QinetiQ to enable Additive Manufacturing of military parts for Ukraine through UK MOD contract
April 15, 2025
Babcock International Group, headquartered in London, UK, has been awarded a proof-of-concept contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), which will enable Ukraine’s armed forces to additively manufacture military equipment.
As prime contractor, Babcock will work with UK defence technology company QinetiQ to create digital drawings and Computer Aided Design (CAD) files of military equipment, which can then be used to manufacture parts in Ukraine.
This innovative technology support comprises reverse engineering older parts to understand their function and design, enabling them to be digitally recreated on demand. Digital files will enable the manufacturing of parts during operations using a variety of methods, including Additive Manufacturing, demonstrating Babcock’s ability to deliver defence support capability wherever it is required.
Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock’s Land Sector, said, “We aim to give Ukraine the capability to recreate the military parts that they need, where and when it really matters. This innovation builds on our engineering expertise and technology capability, giving us further opportunities to optimise 3D printing.”
Alan Hart, Managing Director of Science, Technology and Weapons for QinetiQ, added, “We are delighted to be working with Babcock to support Ukraine, and are immensely proud that QinetiQ is able to draw on our world-leading expertise in technical assurance to assist.”
“This latest contract demonstrates QinetiQ’s unequalled expertise in material capability assurance, and commitment to support to the frontline, whether our own or those of our allies,” Hart said.
Recently, Babcock announced an extension to its support for Ukraine’s armed forces which will ensure vehicles such as the Challenger 2 tank are repaired and restored as quickly as possible to the front line. Babcock manages the vehicle supply chain and spares, and shares its engineering expertise to train the Ukrainian military to conduct repairs themselves.
