United Kingdom Defense Seeks Innovators for Next Generation Satellite Communications Network

SKYNET is a family of military communications satellites operated by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and provides strategic communication services to the UK Armed Forces and its allies.  The SKYNET Integrated Enterprise Solution (SKIES) program is developing the next generation satellite system and is evaluating Industry proposed innovation for the future commercial/delivery model for SKYNET. 

The UK Government’s approach to space is rapidly changing and maturing.  As the pace of change in the global space sector continues to accelerate, the MOD’s SKYNET program continues to face significant challenges that require a fundamental change to its development.  SKIES will address these challenges by establishing a collaborative model with the Industry that will create efficient ways of working across the SKYNET program to incorporate novel innovations proposed by the Industry.  This will lead to more effective decision making in areas such as a route to market for Industry and the utilization of MOD resources.  SKIES will be the program that the MOD utilizes with the Industry for the delivery of the SKYNET communications network into the medium and long-term future (for at least 10-15 years) with a target date of starting SKIES delivery in 2025.  

The MOD SKIES Team desires to work with innovators in Industry, Academia, and other non-UK government bodies, to understand new trends, opportunities, and business developments which could help to define the future delivery model for the SKYNET program. 

The MOD SKIES Team will hold an Industry Engagement Event in March 2023, where an introduction to the SKIES program will be provided to Industry. During the event, the SKIES Team will convey to Industry its structured approach for the design and acquisition of SKYNET and describe how the Industry can create a dialogue with the SKIES Team to help shape the SKYNET Assessment Phase.  In addition, the SKYNET SKIES Team will lay out a roadmap of future industry engagement events. 

If you think you could help the SKYNET Integrated Enterprise Solution (SKIES) program meet its challenges or for information on other opportunities in the UK defense and security market, please contact PJ Menner at the U.S. Embassy London.