The Ministry of Defence has signed a £1.6 billion contract extension with British defence firm Babcock to provide maintenance and support for key British Army equipment over the next five years.
Under the agreement, essential military assets, including Challenger 2 tanks, 105mm light guns, and Trojan armoured vehicles, will receive comprehensive maintenance services to ensure they remain operational and combat-ready. The services will cover preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, and spare parts management, strengthening the Army’s operational effectiveness.
The contract will support over 1,600 jobs across the UK, with more than 400 positions based in Telford and over 250 in Dorset. Additionally, Babcock’s broader defence supply chain involves around 6,000 British businesses and will create 200 apprenticeships in fields such as HGV maintenance and automotive refinishing.
This announcement follows the Prime Minister’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and is part of wider efforts to bolster the UK’s defence industrial base.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP highlighted the significance of the investment, stating:
“Tanks, armoured vehicles and kit are the backbone of the British Army. We are taking action to ensure the outstanding servicemen and women of our Armed Forces are properly equipped and ready to respond to ever-changing global threats. This substantial investment with Babcock demonstrates how defence is an engine for growth: supporting businesses of all sizes and sustaining more than 1,600 good, well-paid jobs across Britain.”
The deal reinforces the UK’s commitment to maintaining a strong and well-supported military, ensuring British forces remain prepared for evolving security challenges.
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