Babcock awarded UK MoD contract to 3D print military equipment

Babcock, an FTSE 100 defense company, has been awarded a proof-of-concept contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) – enabling Ukraine’s armed forces to 3D print military equipment. As prime contractor, the company will work with UK defense technology company QinetiQ to create digital drawings and Computer Aided Design (CAD) files of military equipment which then can be used to print parts locally.

This technology support comprises reverse engineering older parts to understand their function and design – enabling them to be digitally recreated on demand. Parts will be manufactured during operations using a variety of methods, including 3D printing.

“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 optimize 3D printing,” said Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock’s Land Sector.

“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,” said Alan Hart, Managing Director of Science, Technology, and Weapons at QinetiQ. “This latest contract demonstrates QinetiQ’s unequaled expertise in material capability assurance, and commitment to support to the frontline, whether our own or those of our allies.”