Airbus announces UK MoD contracts
The Skynet 5 programme, managed by Airbus, has provided the UK MOD with a suite of highly robust, reliable and secure military communications services to support operations. (Photo: Airbus)
Airbus has announced multiple contracts to increase the UK MoD’s communication capabilities.
Airbus on 5 May revealed a series of contracts awarded by the UK MoD in Q1 2021.
These deals are a part of the continuing Skynet 5 military SATCOM services upgrade and ongoing work by Airbus for the MoD’s Defence Digital organisation.
Activities in the maritime arena include further quality of service improvements for Maritime Network Evolution services to enable Wi-Fi access for deployed personal and improvements for eight SCOT5 FMT ships.
Activities in the land domain include new orders for the Bracer device from the UK MoD, the first type of sale to deliver the T5 terminal, the unveiling of Team ICELUS and fibre broadband and infrastructure services for the MoD’s Abbey Wood headquarters.
Air-related SATCOM contracts for Airbus included a deal to provide Ku-band airtime for the Poseidon P-8 maritime patrol aircraft as they enter service with the RAF, and agreeing renewals to provide continue Ku-band airtime support for the UK Reaper UAV.
Airbus has teamed with KBR, Leidos UK, Northrop Grumman and QinetiQ to bring new thinking to future space solutions and launch the Open Innovation - Space initiative.
Open Innovation – Space aims to increase SME involvement in UK future SATCOM services and space activities.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Northrop Grumman to present improved C2 management system]()
World Defense Show 2026: Northrop Grumman to present improved C2 management system
The Northrop Grumman Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Poland and the US Army with another 20 countries believed to have expressed an interest.
-
![Thales looks to boost DigitalCrew system through AI and human-machine teaming trials]()
Thales looks to boost DigitalCrew system through AI and human-machine teaming trials
The Thales DigitalCrew package, first unveiled at last year’s Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles conference, is designed to merge imaging and apply a layer of decision-making and observation algorithms to support crew and other personnel.
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
