The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has received the first work package from Babcock in support of the department’s continued programme, Project TAMPA.
Launched in 2021, Project TAMPA could span up to seven years, aiming to increase the volume of 3D-printed parts purchased by the UK military.
It aims to advance additive manufacturing to improve material availability, reduce obsolescence, and enhance defence capabilities.
The initiative was developed by UK Strategic Command, with the Future Capability Group at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) responsible for supporting its implementation.
In April 2023, the MOD awarded the Project TAMPA contract to Babcock, alongside partners NP Aerospace, RBSL, Thales, and AMFG.
Babcock through life equipment support managing director Kate Robinson said: “Working in a strategic and collaborative manner with key stakeholders has enabled us to explore the challenges and opportunities together to deliver the right solutions.
“We are now engaged in delivering the next work package, we realise now more than ever what we do matters and we are committed to supporting the UK MOD with the continued programme.”
The project team has been delivering solutions for complex components across various platforms.
This includes the L118 Light Gun, the 4.5in gun on the Type 23 frigate, and the torpedo launch systems for both Astute and Dreadnought class submarines.
The Type 23 frigate, known as the Duke-class, measures 133m and was initially designed for anti-submarine warfare during the Cold War.
Dreadnought-class submarines are capable of launching Trident 2 D5 missiles while Astute-class submarines feature the Tomahawk land attack cruise missile, enabling them to precisely target ground locations hundreds of miles inland.
Additionally, the MOD’s DE&S team has recommended the Light Gun eye shaft for inclusion in the defence inventory, and it is now available for order through the Material Availability Service.
UK Strategic Command Defence Support Innovation Team leader Charlotte Robinson said: “It’s been great to see the progress made by the Babcock team on Project TAMPA’s first spiral of work.
“Through collaboration with the other Project TAMPA suppliers and DE&S Delivery Teams, Babcock has demonstrated that additive manufacturing can play a key role in improving Defence part availability.”
Earlier this month, Babcock recorded a revenue of £2.40bn for the first half of 2025, an 11% increase from £2.17bn in the same period the previous year.
