KBR, Unipart and IBM launch Team ORION to deliver integrated defence capability

KBR, Unipart and IBM have announced the launch of Team ORION, bringing together proven defence, logistics and digital expertise to support the UK Ministry of Defence.

Team ORION has been formed to move beyond traditional multi-supplier models, creating a single, integrated team able to deliver consistently across complex defence environments.

By combining complementary strengths, Team ORION offers a more joined-up approach to operational delivery, underpinned by resilience, scalability and long-term performance.

• KBR brings deep defence experience, and trusted complex strategic programme, procurement and operational delivery
• Unipart contributes world-class manufacturing, sovereign supply chain and proven logistics expertise
• IBM provides advanced, innovative and resilient digital, data and technology capability

Together, Team ORION provides a coherent, sovereign capability designed to support mission-critical outcomes and strengthen UK defence resilience.

Leadership insights

Paul O'Shaughnessy, Vice President, Defence Nuclear Technology Solutions, KBR

"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.

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."

Jim Hartshorne, Commercial Director, Unipart

"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."

About Team ORION

Team ORION brings together the combined experience and capabilities of KBR, Unipart and IBM. This team creates a joined-up approach to operational delivery, underpinned by resilience, scalability and long-term performance.

• KBR brings deep defence experience, and trusted complex strategic programme, procurement and operational delivery
• Unipart contributes world-class manufacturing, sovereign supply chain and proven logistics expertise
• IBM provides advanced, innovative and resilient digital, data and technology capability

Together, Team ORION provides a coherent, sovereign capability designed to support mission-critical outcomes and strengthen UK defence resilience, at scale and at pace.

The team will formally present its approach at Farnborough International Airshow 2026 on Tuesday 21 July.

Visit KBR.com/TeamORION

About KBR

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 36,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 85 countries and operations in over 28 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit https://www.kbr.com

Visit KBR.com/Defence