Babcock has clinched a proof-of-concept contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to enable the Ukrainian Armed Forces to 3D print military equipment.
It includes the creation of digital drawings and computer-aided design files to enable the printing of equipment parts.
Prime contractor Babcock will execute the contract in collaboration with UK defense technology company QinetiQ.
“We aim to give Ukraine the capability to recreate the military parts that they need, where and when it really matters,” CEO of Babcock’s Land Sector Tom Newman said.
“This innovation builds on our engineering expertise and technology capability, giving us further opportunities to optimize 3D printing.”
3D Printing
Under the contract, older parts will be reverse-engineered to understand their design and function, enabling digital recreation on demand.
The digital files will enable the manufacture of parts through 3D printing during operations.
“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,” Managing Director of Science, Technology, and Weapons for QinetiQ Alan Hart said.
How It Will Help Ukraine
Having received military equipment from dozens of countries, the availability of spare parts and critical components is a challenge for embattled Ukraine.
Some platform variants, such as the Australian variant of the M113 armored fighting vehicle, are too old and without compatible spare parts in production.
3D printing in the field can enable Ukraine to create specific parts and components that have ceased mass production.
