Babcock wins £400m contract to manage and operate military satellite system

The Ministry of Defence's military satellite communications system will be managed and operated by Babcock, after it was awarded a £400m six-year contract.

Babcock and its partners will operate and manage the satellites, and ground stations, and integrate new user terminals, the MOD said.

The Skynet system delivers information to British and allied military forces across the globe, which enables an advantage in battlefield information.

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It is expected to support around 400 jobs in the UK, from engineers and scientists to space technicians and administrative staff.

The contract is part of a wider SKYNET 6 programme which is due to provide space-based communications to 2041 and beyond, encompassing a government investment of £6bn.

Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk 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."

Babcock chief executive officer David Lockwood 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."