KBR, Unipart and IBM have formed Team ORION, bringing together defence, logistics and digital expertise to deliver an integrated approach to supporting the UK Ministry of Defence through resilient supply chain operations and technology-led transformation.
KBR, Unipart and IBM have launched Team ORION, a strategic partnership designed to provide an integrated capability for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
The collaboration brings together defence, logistics and digital expertise under a single operating model, moving beyond traditional multi-supplier approaches to deliver coordinated support across complex defence environments.
Team ORION has been established to improve operational resilience, scalability and long-term performance while supporting mission-critical defence programmes.
Team ORION combines KBR’s defence programme delivery and procurement expertise, Unipart’s manufacturing and logistics capabilities, and IBM’s digital, data and technology solutions to create a unified operating model.
The partners said the integrated approach is designed to reduce operational risk, improve decision-making and strengthen the resilience of UK defence supply chains.
“Team ORION brings together three organisations with a proven and extensive track record of delivery in complex and critical environments. This is about how we operate as one team to deliver consistent, reliable outcomes from day one,” said Paul O’Shaughnessy, Vice President, Defence Nuclear Technology Solutions, KBR.
“By aligning Defence experience, logistics expertise and digital capability from the outset, we are creating a joined-up approach that reduces risk, improves performance and enables faster, better-informed decision making to support long-term value for the MOD. Team ORION is built to deliver at scale, at pace and with proven certainty.”
The partnership is built around three complementary capabilities.
Together, the organisations said they will provide a sovereign capability designed to support mission-critical operations while strengthening UK defence resilience.
“Team ORION represents a shift from what our individual businesses deliver to how we work together to provide mission-critical support. By combining Unipart’s logistics expertise with KBR’s Defence pedigree and IBM’s digital capability, we are providing a resilient team able to support UK supply chains in complex operating environments,” said Jim Hartshorne, Commercial Director, Unipart.
Team ORION said its operating model has been developed to support low-risk transitions, improve operational readiness and enhance supply chain resilience.
The partnership will use predictive supply chain models to help manage global economic shocks, respond to changing material requirements and scale capacity as operational demands increase.
The partners also said the model is designed to improve frontline readiness through greater supply chain visibility and objective performance measures aligned with operational requirements.
Alongside supporting defence operations, Team ORION aims to strengthen sovereign capability by keeping operational leadership, decision-making and technical infrastructure within the UK.
The partnership also plans to support regional economic growth and create opportunities for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the wider defence supply chain.
Team ORION will formally present its integrated approach during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
