Defence firm lands £400m Skynet contract

Defence firm Babcock has announced it has landed a £400m contract with the Ministry of Defence.

Babcock, which has a large presence in the South West, has been awarded the contract to manage and operate Skynet, the MOD’s military satellite communications system.

The six-year contract, which starts in March, has an initial value of more than £400m and is part of the MOD’s £6bn Skynet 6 programme.

Skynet Service Delivery Wrap (“Skynet SDW”) will encompass the operation of the UK’s constellation of military satellites and ground stations, including the integration of terminals into the MOD network, ensuring they are integrated and supported.

Babcock will partner with SES, GovSat and Intelsat on Skynet SDW.

David Lockwood, Babcock’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to support this world-leading technological safeguard. Skynet enables vital communications to the UK Armed Forces wherever they are, helping to keep them safe.

“Babcock is a world leader in secure communications for the military. Together with our partners, we will provide a high-tech solution which combines the availability, affordability and capability that the UK needs.”

Alex Chalk, Defence Procurement Minister, said: “Space is increasingly important for maintaining battlefield advantage.

“The UK’s next generation military satellite communications system will keep us at the forefront of this critical domain and the work under this contract will bolster our resilience for years to come.”