# UK MoD Weighs Skynet Satellite Bids

The UK Ministry of Defence says it has made no final decision on the **£2.4 billion ($3.2 billion)** Skynet Wideband Satellite System procurement, despite reports that Lockheed Martin may have been selected over incumbent Airbus Defence and Space UK. The competition covers two tranches of geostationary military communications satellites, payloads, ground infrastructure and launch operations. The eventual decision could affect UK manufacturing capacity, supply-chain sovereignty and Airbus’s future UK satellite operations.

- Companies should treat reports of a preferred selection as unconfirmed until the UK MoD announces a final decision; the procurement remains unresolved.
- The scope spans satellite production, communications payloads, ground infrastructure and launch operations, making the outcome relevant to suppliers across those areas as well as the competing prime contractors.
- The focus on domestic manufacturing and supply-chain sovereignty makes UK industrial participation and the location of work important considerations for bidders and prospective suppliers.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- UK Government

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (Bidder; reported as the purported selection, but no award has been finalized)
- Airbus Defence and Space UK (Incumbent contractor and competing bidder)
- Lockheed Martin UK (Proposed to establish facilities and develop a domestic space supply ecosystem)

### Key Quotes
> UK work [out of the Durham facility] will be the equivalent of fitting the wheels on a US-built car.
> — Ben Moores, former UK defence procurement adviser

### Sources
- [UK satellite decision looms as political fight heats up - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/11/uk-satellite-decision-looms-as-political-fight-heats-up) - Breaking Defense