Northrop Grumman and Airbus Sign MOU to Partner on Future United Kingdom Military Satellite Communications
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Northrop Grumman and Airbus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to address the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MOD) military satellite communication system requirements as an integrated team. The combination of the experience, knowledge and capabilities of two of the world’s leading space companies will provide the MOD with optimal solutions for the space and ground segments of the SKYNET Enduring Capability (SKEC).
The team will work together to address future aspects of the SKYNET program ensuring that UK social value and industrial participation is maximised, and that the ‘allied by design’ approach is implemented to drive towards interoperability with key national allies.
“Northrop Grumman will join Airbus in addressing the requirements of the SKYNET program and believe that this team can offer the very best capabilities to the MOD, now, and in the future,” said Tom Wilson, corporate vice president and president, Space Systems Sector. “This partnership builds on the strong relationship with Airbus and their recent award to provide 42 satellite buses for the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) constellation Northrop Grumman is developing for the U.S. Space Development Agency.
“Northrop Grumman is a key partner in our offer to address 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 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. Building on our recent Space Development Agency partnership, our combined proven experience across all domains of secure beyond line-of-sight communications, including our track record on the SKYNET 5 programme for the past 18 years, gives our team truly unique capabilities to be a partner for MOD.”