Babcock has signed an agreement at DSEI UK 2025 with cleantech company Uplift360 to explore how composite materials from Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft can be “broken down and repurposed”.
On September 10, 2025, the two firms signed an agreement during the second day of DSEI UK in London, after previously collaborating to find solutions for managing and recycling materials from defence equipment.
Uplift360, which specialises in the recycling of advanced materials, is based in Luxembourg, and relies on a global team of aerospace and defence experts, scientists, circular economic specialists, and engineers.
According to Uplift360, “despite retaining their high value, advanced materials are wasted at the end of life” but its advanced technologies are an alternative solution.
“By combining our operational experience with Uplift360’s specialist expertise, we’re working together to support our customers’ sustainability ambitions. This partnership is focused on delivering practical solutions that contribute to more efficient use of resources and strengthen the long-term resilience of UK defence supply chains,” said Chloe Barker, Managing Director for Babcock’s UK Aviation.
She added: “This collaboration is a great example of how we can work side by side with small and medium enterprises to deliver meaningful change.”
Sam Staincliffe, Co-founder and CEO of Uplift360, said: “We are delighted to have signed this partnering agreement with Babcock, demonstrating the leading role that Uplift360 can play in the recycling of advanced materials from the defence industry. As we create more advanced materials, the waste challenge increases. Uplift360 offers a truly circular option to reuse them sustainably.”
Early this year the Royal Air Force (RAF) announced that parts from retired Tornado aircraft had been ground down and 3D printed into new components suitable for the UK’s next generation of military aircraft.
The RAF said this type of development could save taxpayer money, reduce the UK’s reliance on global supply chains of critical and high value metals.
It could also help produce components that are lighter, stronger, and longer lasting than those made through traditional forging techniques.