UK Armed Forces dig in with new construction equipment

The Ministry of Defence has invested £26 million into new construction, earthmoving and materials-handling equipment, safeguarding almost 500 UK jobs while strengthening the nation’s military readiness and resilience.

The MoD’s National Armaments Director Group, in partnership with industry partner Amey, has bought 96 Medium Wheeled Tractors and 61 excavators from JCB to modernise part of the UK Armed Forces’ operational fleet.

This brand new fleet, built by JCB in partnership with Amey, means the Armed Forces can continue to build roads and bases, clear obstacles and keep moving troops on the ground, ensuring personnel have reliable and new kit.

Why the investment delivers a win-win for British armed forces and industry

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “This is a win-win deal for our Armed Forces and British industry. Our troops get the kit to get the job done and we’re protecting almost 500 jobs at the same time.

“It is what good defence spending looks like – strengthening our military, backing British workers and backing British industry.”

These new assets will be managed through Amey’s MITER contract with MoD, which provides around 4,500 items of construction, earthmoving and materials-handling equipment to Defence.

The programme has been developed through a close partnership between Amey and the NAD Group, combining Defence insight with strategic asset management expertise.

This announcement directly sustains the jobs of around 230 people working on the MITER contract and a further 250 jobs at JCB.

How an assessment of operational requirements for all three services determined the type of equipment selected

The equipment was selected after careful assessment of operational need, fleet performance and long-term value. Maj Gen Lizzie Faithfull-Davies, Director Land Environment at the NAD Group, said: “This programme has been shaped around the needs of Defence and those who rely on these assets every day, from the British Army’s civil engineers to construction teams across all three services.

“Working alongside Amey and JCB has enabled us to align operational requirements, technical expertise and commercial strategy to secure the right solution for the future.

“By taking a whole-life approach to fleet management, we’re not just replacing equipment, we’re improving the reliability and availability of the assets our personnel depend on.

“This is exactly the kind of collaborative, evidence-led procurement that will help us deliver better outcomes for Defence and for the taxpayer.”

This procurement and the wider MITER programme, is a practical example of how long-term partnerships between the Government and industry can turn operational need into investment that benefits Defence users, industry and the wider UK economy.

A support framework to improve equipment availability and ensure military readiness

The MITER programme reinforces industry’s role as a strategic partner to Defence, working together to improve equipment availability, deliver whole-life value and strengthen the supply chains that support military readiness.

Craig McGilvray, Managing Director of Defence at Amey, said: “This is a significant investment in the equipment Defence relies on every day and in the UK supply chain that helps keep that capability ready and resilient.

“Our partnership with the NAD Group means we can take a long-term view of Defence’s needs and make evidence-led investment decisions that deliver for the taxpayer and for frontline users. This programme is about more than replacing equipment, it is about strengthening readiness, backing UK industry and building the resilience Defence needs for the future.”

The programme also underlines the Government’s wider focus on investing in the UK capability needed to support national resilience now and in the future.