Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Volodymyr Havrylov and Babcock CEO David Lockwood shake hands on the agreement that will see Babcock provide operational support to Ukraine. Source: Babcock

Babcock has been granted a £50m contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to assist with Ukraine’s military land assets.

Babcock’s latest 12-month contract, with options for extension, will involve lending operational expertise to sustain and manage the armoured vehicles, including Challenger 2 tanks and Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVRT), provided by the UK to Ukraine’s military.

Additionally, Babcock will train Ukrainian personnel and oversee vital equipment, supply chains, and spares management.

This agreement builds upon the tripartite Memorandum of Implementation signed by Babcock, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, and the UK Government in June 2021. Furthermore, it aligns with Babcock’s recently inked Cooperation Agreement with Ukroboronprom, a Ukrainian state defence concern, to explore collaborative defence projects in Ukraine.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace hailed the contract as essential support for Ukraine, ensuring the sustainable operation of their military equipment by providing expertise, skills, and vital spares. Emphasizing the unwavering commitment to Ukraine, Wallace declared, “Our support for Ukraine is unwavering and will continue for as long as it takes.”

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Major General Anna-Lee Reilly, Director of DE&S Operations, stressed the critical role played by the Ministry of Defence in assisting Ukraine during its ongoing conflict. She highlighted the significance of sustainment for Ukraine’s battle-winning equipment, especially as the country’s counter-offensive begins.

Major General Reilly added, “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).”

Babcock’s experience in supporting both domestically and globally deployed British Army vehicles makes it well-equipped to fulfil the contract’s requirements.

The company’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services provided under its DSG contract with the UK Ministry of Defence demonstrate its ability to ensure mission readiness for current and future-generation platforms.