Babcock and QinetiQ to Help Ukraine 3D Print Military Parts On-Demand, Boosting Battlefield Sustainability

In a groundbreaking move to support Ukraine’s armed forces, UK defense firm Babcock has been awarded a proof-of-concept contract by the UK Ministry of Defence that could revolutionize how military equipment is maintained in conflict zones. The initiative centers on using 3D printing technology to recreate spare parts and critical components for military hardware—on demand and near the battlefield.

Under this new arrangement, Babcock will work in partnership with British defense technology company QinetiQ. Together, they aim to provide Ukraine with the tools and technical know-how to produce essential military parts locally. This includes creating detailed digital drawings and computer-aided design (CAD) files that can be used to 3D print a wide variety of components.

What makes this initiative particularly significant is its focus on reverse engineering. Many of the weapons systems and vehicles used by Ukraine originate from multiple countries and span various generations of design. Spare parts for older equipment—such as the Australian version of the M113 armored vehicle—are no longer readily available or even in production. By reverse engineering these parts, engineers can understand their structure and function and recreate them digitally, allowing for precise 3D printing whenever needed.

Tom Newman, CEO of Babcock’s Land Sector, explained the motivation behind this technological push: “We aim to give Ukraine the capability to recreate the military parts that they need, where and when it really matters.” He emphasized that this project builds on Babcock’s long-standing engineering and technical strengths, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved through 3D printing in defense.

From QinetiQ’s side, the focus will be on ensuring that these printed parts meet technical standards. Alan Hart, Managing Director of Science, Technology, and Weapons at QinetiQ, noted, “We are immensely proud that QinetiQ is able to draw on our world-leading expertise in technical assurance to assist.”

The impact of this program on Ukraine’s battlefield operations could be significant. With supply chains strained and traditional manufacturing slow to respond to urgent wartime needs, this new approach offers speed, flexibility, and autonomy. For a military that relies on a patchwork of foreign-supplied equipment—ranging from NATO-standard gear to aging Soviet-era systems—the ability to print parts on demand will help keep critical machinery operational.

Furthermore, field-based 3D printing eliminates long delays and logistical bottlenecks. Instead of waiting weeks for a single part to be sourced and delivered, Ukrainian technicians could potentially print it within hours. This can drastically increase equipment readiness and reduce the time units spend inactive due to mechanical issues.

In a broader sense, this initiative highlights the future of warfare logistics. As conflicts become more complex and reliant on multinational systems, additive manufacturing may play a vital role in keeping modern armies agile, responsive, and self-sufficient—especially in unpredictable or hostile environments.

By combining reverse engineering, advanced CAD modeling, and in-theater 3D printing, the UK-led program represents a new frontier in defense innovation—one where Ukraine is the first real-world testing ground for scalable battlefield manufacturing.