We’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK uncrewed ground vehicle specialist Digital Concepts Engineering (DCE) to explore opportunities to collaborate on the development, manufacture, integration and support of uncrewed ground systems for UK and international customers.
The agreement brings together DCE’s specialist expertise in uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) and robotic control systems with our manufacturing, systems integration and through-life support capabilities. Together, we will also explore opportunities to integrate DCE platforms and control systems into our wider defence solutions.
Central to the collaboration are DCE’s X-Series UGV and Marionette Universal Control System. The X-Series is a highly mobile, mid-sized UGV capable of carrying payloads of 150-500kg and towing up to three tonnes across challenging terrain. Marionette enables existing vehicles to be converted for remote or autonomous operation, providing a flexible route to introducing robotic capability across vehicle fleets.
The MoU will explore how we can collaborate to develop a comprehensive support proposition across the Defence Lines of Development including training, integration, logistics, infrastructure and operational support. This will help customers move beyond acquiring individual platforms towards generating sustainable operational capability.
The partnership was demonstrated at DVD 2026, where our digital ammunition rack was integrated onto an X-Series UGV. The demonstration shows the potential for autonomous resupply of mortar and artillery systems, alongside remote monitoring and management of ammunition and other logistic supplies.
Louise Atkinson, Chief Executive, our Land and Mission Systems business, said: “Autonomous systems are changing the way modern militaries operate – and as experts in manufacturing and systems integration, Babcock can leverage these capabilities to deliver operational advantage. By working with DCE, and as demonstrated with its integration into our mortar ecosystem at DVD, we’re bringing together complementary expertise to help develop and support the next generation of uncrewed ground systems for customers in the UK and around the world.”
Mike McGinty, Managing Director of Digital Concepts Engineering, added: “DCE and Babcock bring highly complementary capabilities to this partnership. DCE specialises in developing operational UGVs and robotic control systems, while Babcock brings the scale, systems-integration expertise and support capability needed to help take these technologies further. Together, we can explore how autonomous ground systems can be integrated into wider military capability and supported throughout their operational life – both for the UK and internationally.
“The work we are demonstrating at DVD is a good example of what that means in practice: combining proven technologies to address real operational requirements and reduce the burden and risk on soldiers.”