Babcock

It was good to visit Babcock in Birchalls on Frdiay 19 June 2026 to see the high level of engineering work they do. It was good to hear about their work in the constituency:

Babcock have developed a Strategic relationship with Toyota for last 25+ years with direct links into Japan (Toyota Motor Corporation);

The Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) the Land Rover replacement programme for c.9000 vehicles and £750m+ is set to be tendered this Summer with a decision expected end of 2026. Team Lionstrike (General Motors Defence) and Ford Ranger are main competitors with strong American political backing

With a relationship with Toyota HQ in Japan, Babcock are able to deliver the 9k vehicles the army require with 70% UK content.

Babcock and Toyota are starting with UK for military utility vehicles with a joint ambition to expand into wider NATO (Norway and Albania) as well as UK export potential into Middle East and Australasia.

Richard Parker, Combined Authority Mayor is very keen for Babcock to act as an anchor for his recent defence blueprint for the Midlands and has been providing his full support to the programme which includes Additional 250 roles in West Midlands, Up to £200M in the local supply chain.

The West Midlands combined authority see this as a key anchor programme to bring defence spending into the region.

50 – 70% UK content and economic benefit will be achieved on the LMV programme with the work being undertaken in the West Midlands supporting new jobs and significant local supply chain investment.  www.babcockinternational.com