18 Sep 2024

Babcock and ST Engineering launch UK-manufactured 120mm Mortar to strengthen UK defence capabilities

Babcock, in partnership with ST Engineering, a technology, defence and engineering Group, has unveiled its 120mm Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) at DVD 2024. Based on the world-leading technology of ST Engineering, the 120mm GDAMS is a vehicle-mounted, hinged mortar system developed to address the urgent requirement to enhance UK Armed Forces weaponry.

The mortar system is a result of close collaboration between Babcock and ST Engineering, bringing together complementary skills, technologies and solutions to strengthen the next generation of UK’s close indirect fire weapon systems.

The GDAMS will be built at our production facility in Devonport, Plymouth, using a UK supply chain, making it the first UK-manufactured 120mm mortar systems in decades.

If selected for the UK in-direct fires programme, production of the 120mm GDAMS will deliver tangible benefits to the broader South West region, through the upskilling of our existing workforce in Plymouth and certainty for the regional supply chain. Establishing and operating the 120mm GDAMS production line will also create up to 70 new skilled Babcock roles locally.

Based in the South Devon Freeport Zone, the production facility also supports future export opportunities from the UK, enabling better import terms for allied nations whilst simultaneously delivering social value and aligning with the UK’s Land Industrial Strategy.

Tom Newman, Chief Executive of our Land sector, said: “The Babcock 120mm GDAMS can help support the modernisation of the British Army with increased firepower and at the same time increase availability, affordability and capability of the essential equipment.”

Brigadier General (Ret) Jin Kiat Chua, Head of ST Engineering’s International Business, Defence and Public Security, said: “GDAMS is the pre-eminent tactical firing solution that pushes power to the edge and increases firepower. This collaboration combines ST Engineering’s extensive mortar expertise with Babcock’s production capabilities to deliver a sovereign solution that aligns with UK’s Land Industrial Strategy and enhances the combat effectiveness of the British Army.”

He added, “This partnership is underpinned by ST Engineering’s proven ability in delivering effective solutions, and a strong commitment to working with strong partners to co-create effective solutions that meet our customers’ needs.”