DE&S has awarded Babcock International a £50-million contract to support vital UK military vehicles gifted to Ukraine.

Babcock will provide technical support and training for vehicles such as Challenger 2 tanks and the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) – known as CVR(T) – that are helping to repel Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion.

Babcock will provide technical assistance to Ukraine’s military land assets, delivering spares, managing vital equipment supply chains and providing ad hoc training to Ukrainian mechanics and engineers during the life of the initial one-year contract.

Director DE&S Operations, Major General Anna-Lee Reilly, said:

“With the conflict in Ukraine now in its second year, it is critical that the Ministry of Defence continues to assist the Ukrainians with the sustainment of their battle-winning equipment. This is even more important as the Ukrainian counter offensive begins.

“Our defence industry has a critical role to play in sustaining the equipment provided by the United Kingdom. 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).”

Helping to ensure mission readiness, we are providing operational support globally by providing the interface between the AFU, Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) and International Donor Coordination Centre (IDCC).

David Lockwood, Babcock Group CEO, said:

“We are honoured to stand with the Ukrainian and UK Governments, providing critical support for Ukraine’s urgent military operations.

“Through the relentless commitment of our teams, and supply chain partners, we will deliver land defence assets and equipment that Ukrainian troops can have the utmost confidence in. Their mission is our mission.”