News

Airbus has been awarded the Skynet Design Support Contract (SDSC) to provide design authority services support for the UK’s SKYNET military satellite communications systems. The contract will provide post-design services to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its future service providers to support the transition from SKYNET 5 to SKYNET 6.

The MOD’s Director Delivery (Intelligence and Expeditionary Services), Steven Fisher, stated that the SDSC reflects the commitment to maintain the SKYNET 5 system, which is crucial for UK military satellite communications. He also acknowledged Airbus as the design authority for SKYNET 5 and a strategic supplier of the SKYNET 6A, which is an important part of the program to replace and replenish their space-based assets.

Richard Budd, Head of Secure Communications UK, US, and Australia at Airbus Defence and Space, highlighted the scope of the SDSC. It includes both the satellites and the ground infrastructure. The contract ensures the retention of specialist space and ground-segment roles and confirms Airbus’ continued involvement in the SKYNET program, including the production of the SKYNET 6A satellite in their Stevenage and Portsmouth facilities.

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