Babcock secures UK £50 million contract to provide operational support for tanks given to Ukraine
Defense giant Babcock International has secured a £50 million contract with the UK to provide operational support for tanks given to Ukraine.
Babcock will equip armored vehicles supplied by the government to the military, including Challenger 2 tanks, train Ukrainian personnel and manage equipment and supply chains.
Chief executive David Lockwood said: ‘What we do at Babcock matters now more than ever and it’s a privilege to be at our customers’ side when they need us most.’
UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: “This provides vital support for Ukraine on the battlefield, supporting their equipment by providing the expertise and skills to keep Ukraine’s armored vehicles moving along with the provision of vital spare parts”.
Babcock said there was room to extend the deal. Defense companies have said governments need to provide solid contracts to ramp up production levels.
Action Stations: Babcock will equip vehicles including Challenger 2 tanks (pictured), train Ukrainian personnel and manage equipment and supply chains
Defense production is hampered by global supply chain issues. This week BAE Systems secured orders from the UK to boost arms production.
The £280 million deal, which could increase in value to more than £400 million, will enable it to increase production capacity of 155mm artillery shells eightfold.
The announcements come as Britain, the US and global allies met at the NATO summit in Lithuania. Rishi Sunak said last night that NATO is “more confident and united than ever.”