Specialist manufacturer recruited to help defend Ukraine

Yorkshire-made barriers which can withstand a direct missile hit are helping Ukrainian soldiers protect themselves, their equipment and critical national infrastructure from Russian attacks.

Leeds-based DIRICKX Systems is a specialist manufacturer of these barriers and has so far delivered over 100km of them after winning multi-million pound contracts from Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) on behalf of the International Fund for Ukraine.

Known as “Expeditionary Barriers”, these are designed to protect against a wide range of ballistic threats.

Developed to be durable and reliable, these barriers provide effective protection against a variety of threats to ensure the safety of personnel, assets, and infrastructure.

Adam Robinson, operations director for DIRICKX Systems, said: “As a relatively new business these defence contracts have been huge for us as we look to grow and increase market share.

“We’re extremely proud to be based in Leeds, creating new employment opportunities and supporting local manufacturing in the city and wider area.

“We are also very proud to see our products being used to help protect Ukrainian soldiers and the country’s infrastructure, a cause we have been wholeheartedly behind from the start.”

The barriers are prefabricated to allow assembly anywhere at anytime. Delivered flat packed for optimal logistic efficiency, they can be rapidly deployed with minimal labour.

Once assembled, units can be filled with earth to create a continuous connected chain of protection robust enough to stop bullets and other munitions.

Major General Anna-Lee Reilly, director of strategic capability, engagement and operations at DE&S, said: “These barriers, which are incredibly versatile due to their modular nature, provide essential protection for Ukrainian troops, military equipment and infrastructure.

“Together with our international partners, defence Industry and the Armed Forces, we continue to work tirelessly to deliver the crucial equipment needed to support Ukraine.”