UK commits £2.3 billion to military satellite communications and plans unified procurement led by the Ministry of Defence

The UK has committed £2.3 billion to military satellite communications services for fiscal years 2026–2027 through 2029–2030 as part of its updated defense space strategy. The allocation sits within a wider £2.8 billion satellite communications package combining sovereign capabilities with commercial and allied services. The Ministry of Defence plans to consolidate purchasing through an Enterprise Space Category approach, coordinating requirements that have previously been handled through separate procurement channels. SKYNET will continue to support sensitive military communications, while the hybrid model is intended to improve access, resilience and flexibility rather than fund a single newly announced satellite contract.