- Babcock won a UK MoD proof-of-concept contract with QinetiQ to help Ukraine 3D print military parts using CAD files and reverse-engineered components.
- The aim is to localise and speed up spares production, reducing supply-chain delays and boosting readiness for armoured platforms such as Challenger 2.
- The project complements Babcock’s wider Ukraine support work covering maintenance, spares supply, and training under a February 2025 contract extension.
- Babcock is also building in-country repair capacity via an engineering facility with Ukraine Defence Industries and is financially underpinned by a growing defence backlog.
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This contract marks a strategic shift from primarily supporting Ukraine externally (through maintenance, supply, and training) toward enabling internal, on-demand manufacturing via additive manufacturing (3D printing) capabilities. It reduces logistical vulnerabilities and accelerates turnaround on parts critical to armoured vehicle readiness—particularly for platforms like Challenger 2 MBTs.
Partnership with QinetiQ underscores emphasis on technical assurance and material standards, crucial for field-printable parts meeting battlefield reliability. The reliance on reverse engineering older components suggests dealing with legacy systems or parts no longer in production, which is common in sustained conflict settings.
This is closely tied with Babcock’s other Ukraine support: the 15-month extension for land asset support (Feb 2025) continues maintenance, repair, spares supply, and training, while the in-country engineering facility (with UDI, May 2024) responds to the need for faster, localised repair capacity.[0search11]
From a broader strategic view, this initiative may shift dynamics in Ukraine’s defence self-sufficiency. As domestic 3D printing capability matures, dependence on external supply chains diminishes, enabling operations closer to front lines and mitigating supply delays. It also reflects UK government and MoD policies to strengthen industrial support, resilience, and allied technology transfer. Babcock benefits via contract backlog growth and strengthened role in Ukraine’s rebuilding and continued conflict support.[0search0]
Open questions include the scale: proof-of-concept suggests limited initial scope; how many part types will be covered; where printing facilities will be located; intellectual property (IP) and licence rights; how quality, standards, and durability will be guaranteed under combat conditions; and whether this model will be extended beyond Ukraine to other theatres.
Supporting Notes
- The contract was officially announced on 3 April 2025 by Babcock; the UK MoD awarded this proof-of-concept deal to enable Ukraine’s armed forces to 3D print military components with help from QinetiQ, involving reverse-engineering of older parts and producing CAD files.
- 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,” highlighting the urgency and focus on operational flexibility.
- Earlier, in February 2025, Babcock secured a 15-month contract extension from the UK MoD to support Ukraine’s land assets, including repair of Challenger 2 tanks and supply chains, plus training of Ukrainian personnel. [0search11]
- In May 2024, Babcock partnered with Ukraine Defence Industries (UDI) to set up an engineering facility in Ukraine to accelerate repair and overhaul of armoured vehicles.
- The longer-term UK Army Strategic Support Partner Contract extension, awarded 26 March 2025 to Babcock, is worth £1.6 billion, including approx. £1.0 billion in revenue and £600 million as an agent. This underscores the financial strength fueling these Ukraine-support initiatives.
- Financial performance: Revenues rose 11% year-on-year to £4.8 billion; operating profit up 51% to £364 million; backlog reached £10.4 billion. Babcock raised profit margin targets from 8% to “at least 9%” medium term.