Team to Bid for Skynet Enduring Capability Role

Airbus and Northrop have signed an MoU under which they will collaborate on UK MoD’s forthcoming Skynet Enduring Capability (SKEC) programme.

The MoU forms what Airbus describes as “an integrated joint team,” which will prepare a bid for the SKEC project. The deal means the MoD may be able to access technologies and concepts Northrop leverages for US defence communications.

The SKEC programme aims to “build a network of satellites, ground stations and other user services to provide first class communications for government, allies and especially our defence personnel,” according an MoD project statement. It will build on the extant Skynet space-based communications system, which Airbus has been involved in since 1974 and, since 2003, has held a full-service outsourced contract to provide global military communications to the UK.

“Northrop Grumman is a key partner in our offer to address the Service Delivery Wrap for future SKYNET services and an established international partner and supplier to the US Space Force,” said Richard Franklin, Managing Director Airbus Defence and Space UK. “Signing this MOU with them is the next logical step to provide the next generation of solutions to the UK MOD – providing access to key US technologies and capabilities with Airbus’ world leading defence solutions.”

“Northrop Grumman is proud to join with Airbus in addressing the requirements of the Skynet programme, and believe that this team can offer the very best capabilities to the MOD now and in the future,” observed Tom Wilson, president of Northrop Grumman’s space division. “This teaming agreement builds on the strong Northrop Grumman/Airbus relationship and the recent award of Airbus to provide 42 satellite buses for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer constellation Northrop Grumman is developing for the U.S. Space Development Agency.”