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Babcock Australasia has completed the delivery of a $16 million fleet of Squad Packable Utility Robots designed to enhance the counter explosive capability of the ADF personnel, ready for immediate deployment with the ADF.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is set to bolster its operational capabilities with the deployment of Squad Packable Utility Robots (SPUR) remote positioning vehicles – light (RPV-L) across tri-service applications. These state-of-the-art robots will play a crucial role in search, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, helping to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices and enhance soldier protection in combat zones.
Babcock has spearheaded the procurement and customisation of the explosive ordnance disposal and ISR robots, working closely with Australian and veteran-owned supply chain partner, EPE Trusted to Protect. This collaboration ensures the shipment meets ADF specifications, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to cutting-edge defence technology.
EPE, a specialist in force protection and counter-threat solutions, has a long-standing partnership with QinetiQ, the manufacturer of the SPUR. The procurement was delivered on schedule following comprehensive inspection and acceptance testing.
Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland congratulated the industry team for their delivery of this critical capability to the ADF, saying, “Much of Babcock’s success is driven by the strength of our supply chain partnerships. Nationwide, we engage some 2,000 domestic suppliers to provide goods and services across our defence and aviation contracts, creating a resilient industry base that is building sovereign capability each and every day.”
EPE Group CEO Warwick Penrose echoed the sentiment of Cridland, saying, “The partnership between EPE and Babcock creates a powerful synergy. Babcock’s leading asset management systems optimise the processes for acquisition and sustainment, while EPE brings expertise in the specialist Counter-CBRNE domain. The partnership has built sustainable sovereign capability here in Australia to test, acquire, train, maintain and sustain these important capabilities that protect our Defence personnel. The outcome of this collaboration is reduced risk to the Commonwealth.”
Weighing just 13 kilograms, the SPUR is a compact, highly mobile system that can be quickly deployed from a backpack. Equipped with a high-performance manipulator arm, advanced imaging capabilities and exceptional manoeuvrability in challenging terrain, the robot is designed for diverse operational environments.
"These robots significantly enhance situational awareness, acting as a critical line of defence for Australian soldiers in high-threat environments. The successful acquisition and delivery of the SPUR forms part of Babcock’s comprehensive C-CBRNE asset management services under its prime vendor agreement with the ADF,” Cridland added.
Initially introduced into Australian service in 2022, the SPUR has already proven its value in supporting the Australian Army’s response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) incidents. Its latest deployment marks another step forward in enhancing the ADF’s technological edge and operational effectiveness.
