Defence Minister visits Cook Defence Systems

Under the three-year contract, Cook Defence Systems will continue to supply spare tracks for the all the Army’s major in-service armoured fighting vehicles.

Cook Defence Systems is also supplying tracks for the Army’s newest Challenger 3 tanks and Ajax vehicles.

The Minister saw some of the advanced manufacturing and inspection techniques used by Cook Defence Systems and met members of the workforce, including apprentices and veterans.

The visit comes ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day on Sunday 24 August. Cook Defence Systems has played a vital role in the UK’s enduring commitment to Ukraine as the main manufacturer of spare tracks for the Soviet-era vehicles used by the Ukrainian Army.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, said:  “This contract not only strengthens our Army’s warfighting capability, but helps sustain hundreds of skilled jobs in the North East. This investment is a clear example of the defence dividend where higher defence spending, spent with British firms, supports good, well-paid skilled jobs nationwide.”

William Cook, Director of Cook Defence Systems, said: “As the only British designer and manufacturer of track systems for fighting vehicles, Cook Defence Systems is critical to the operational independence of the British Army and allied forces.

“This latest contract directly supports 125 jobs at Cook Defence Systems and underpins £5m of investment in new plant and machinery over the next twelve months.

“It is also a welcome signal that heavy armour remains core to British Army planning and that companies like Cook are at the heart of the Government’s forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.”