Defence
End-to-end propulsion system solutions for mission-ready land, sea and air platforms.
Over a century of Defence expertise
Ricardo has been active in the defence sector since our founding in 1915 and has a long history of providing world-class engineering, manufacturing and industrialisation support to prime contractors, vehicle design authorities, tiered suppliers, and defence organisations across the globe.
Now, as the defence sector responds to increasingly complex operational challenges, Ricardo remains at the forefront - supporting our clients to develop the next generation advanced propulsion technologies, adapting existing platforms for defence applications, and keeping in-service fleets operational for longer.
With our end-to-end capability from concept to post-design services, our clients trust Ricardo to help them to reduce costs, minimise waste, and protect lives.
Defence applications
Land
Ricardo delivers light and heavy land defence solutions, combining operational, technical and strategic expertise to develop and upgrade complex vehicle platforms supporting special forces and OEMs with reliable performance that makes a real difference in extreme and demanding operating conditions.
Sea
Ricardo brings decades of marine expertise, supporting low-emission, efficient vessel design while reducing lifecycle costs. A trusted UK MoD partner for over 30 years, providing specialist powerplant and fuels expertise.
Air
Ricardo supports next-generation defence aerospace platforms with electrified propulsion, advanced systems engineering and precision components. We deliver optimised, high-performance solutions through robust simulation, rapid development and AS9100D-certified manufacturing expertise.
Propulsion Systems for Defence Applications
Since our founder’s pioneering work developing the Ricardo engine to improve range, reliability and reducing smoke emissions for the Mark V tank used by the British Army in World War One, we have been at the forefront of providing end-to-end propulsion system solutions to the defence sector.
Our multi-disciplined team provide technical expertise across the full propulsion system architecture, providing support for the development of traditional ICE, electric and hybrid systems, fuel cell, hydrogen ICE, and alternative fuel platforms. With capability across the full product lifecycle, from concept through to production and in-service support.
Transmission and Driveline for Defence Applications
Ricardo delivers transmission and driveline solutions for defence platforms, optimising power delivery, efficiency and durability for the most demanding operating environments.
From high-performance gear systems to hybridised architectures, our end-to-end capability spans the full product development cycle. Including the design, development and integration of complex mechanical and electrified driveline systems, supporting both new platform development and legacy upgrades. As well as complete production and supply of components, sub-assemblies, and complete driveline systems including powerpacks.
More defence services
Vehicle Conversion and Adaptation
Ricardo specialises in adapting commercial platforms for niche defence applications, enhancing existing vehicle architectures to meet enhanced operational or performance requirements.
Post Design Services (PDS)
Ricardo’s Post Design Services extend the life of legacy platforms through obsolescence management, re-engineering and low-volume manufacturing, ensuring reliable supply of validated components and sustained fleet performance throughout in-service operations.
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)
Ricardo delivers integrated MRO solutions for complex defence powertrain systems, restoring performance, extending service life and maximising fleet availability through advanced engineering, manufacturing expertise and resilient supply chain support.
Decarbonising Defence
Like all industry sectors, the defence sector is being challenged to decarbonise at pace, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions derived from fossil fuels. Ricardo is at the forefront of developing greener solutions for the defence market, from electrification and hybrid, to alternative fuels and hydrogen solutions.
Improvements in efficiency and productivity of vehicles and transport infrastructure seen in civilian applications of decarbonised technologies such as hybridisation are expected to translate to similar military advantages.
Significant additional performance and sustainability enhancements can be made through the use decarbonised technologies targeted to the specific characteristics of military vehicles and operations.
Our Accreditations
ISO 9001:2018
AS9100D
ISO 14001:2015
ISO 50001:2018
ISO/IEC 27001:2022
IATF 16949
JOSCAR
TISAX Level 3
Insights from our experts
Speak to an expert
Can't see this form? Email us here