Airbus Defence and Space and Northrop Grumman have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and foster a strategic partnership in military satellite communications for the UK’s future wideband SKYNET military satellite communications program.
SKYNET is a family of seven military communications satellites, currently operated for the UK MoD by Airbus, that provides strategic communication services to the UK Armed Forces and allies. SKYNET 5 is the most recent generation of this family. Airbus is currently producing the SKYNET 6A satellite, which is scheduled to launch in 2025.
The SKYNET Enduring Capability (SKEC) program will deliver the next era of satellite communications (SATCOM) to the MOD using new space assets and a way to monitor and control them. These assets will also be supported by additional commercial services to provide a reliable and robust communications service.
In August 2023, the UK chose three competitors to move forward on the SKEC effort, Airbus Defence and Space, Lockheed Martin, and Thales Alenia Space.
The SKEC space segment will consist of two separate procurements:
* A Narrowband Satellite System (UHF) requirement that will be delivered through a dedicated satellite (GEO orbit). Sevice entry is expected to run between 2028 and 2036.
* A Wideband Satellite System (WSS) requirement which will be delivered through a procurement for multiple medium-sized satellites (GEO orbit), including X and Mil Ka-band payloads. Up to three satellites will be produced valued at GBP1.5 billion ($1.9 billion). The first launch is planned for 2028. A winner for this procurement is expected in late 2023.
The overall SKYNET military satellite communications program is reportedly valued at around GBP6 billion ($7.3 billion).
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
