The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has extended its contract with Babcock for an additional 15 months, ensuring the continuation of critical operational support for Ukraine’s military land assets.
Babcock’s role will involve maintaining the operational readiness of Ukraine’s armed forces’ vehicles, including Challenger 2 tanks.
The Challenger 2 tanks, powered by a 12-cylinder, 1,200hp Perkins CV12 diesel engine and equipped with a David Brown TN54 gearbox, are designed for stability across diverse terrains.
They feature a double pin track with Hydrogas suspension and a Hydraulic Track Tensioner, enabling them to navigate from smooth roads to challenging cross-country landscapes.
The company will also transfer essential engineering skills to Ukrainian military personnel, enabling them to carry out in-country repairs.
Additionally, Babcock will oversee the management of the customer’s supply chain and spare parts inventory.
This contract extension builds on an initial agreement from July 2023 and allows Babcock to apply its extensive experience in military platform support, as well as its specialised knowledge in maintenance, repairs, and overhaul processes.
Babcock CEO David Lockwood said: “Ensuring Ukraine’s military vehicles and equipment are back in frontline action with no delay is critical. Babcock is proud to have the know-how and expertise to continue to support these operations for both the UK and Ukrainian governments.
“This latest contract extension demonstrates the level of confidence in Babcock’s capability to deliver vital services where and when they matter most.”
Since signing a memorandum of implementation with Ukraine’s MoD and the UK Government in June 2021, Babcock has been providing technical and engineering support to Ukraine’s military from the wider region.
The company has helped in maintaining military assets donated by the UK MoD, which are part of the UK’s financial and non-financial aid packages.
In 2025, the UK is set to provide more military assistance to Ukraine, with £3bn already pledged for lethal support, said UK MoD’s Defence Equipment & Support in January.
Additionally, the first £1.5bn of a £2.26bn loan, part of the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration initiative, will be allocated to significant procurement projects. This loan will be repaid through the exceptional profits from frozen Russian sovereign assets.
The additional £4.5bn from the UK in 2025 will be used to acquire hundreds of air defence systems, drones, and critical support equipment to reinforce Ukrainian forces on the front lines.
The latest development follows Babcock’s recent memorandum of understanding with Finland’s Patria, aiming to offer Patria’s 6×6 armoured personnel carrier for the UK armed forces.
This partnership is intended to meet the specific operational requirements of the British Army, according to the companies involved.
