Babcock awarded £400m contract to operate MOD’s Skynet

Defence company Babcock International said on Wednesday that it has been awarded a £400m contract to manage and operate Skynet, the UK Ministry of Defence's (MOD) military satellite communications system.

The six-year contract, which kicks off in March, 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 said.

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

Chief executive 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.

"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."

At 0945 GMT, the shares were up 0.9% at 306.80p.