A major labor union and Members of Parliament are urging the UK government to select Airbus for a substantial defense satellite contract rather than American competitor Lockheed Martin. The decision centers on the Skynet 6 wideband satellite system, a two-satellite constellation designed to carry sensitive Ministry of Defence data.
Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham and Stevenage MP Kevin Bonavia argue that awarding the contract to Airbus would preserve hundreds of existing skilled positions at manufacturing facilities in Stevenage, Hertfordshire and Portsmouth, Hampshire. They characterize the choice as a test of the government’s commitment to supporting British industry through public procurement. The union has represented workers involved in satellite construction for the UK military over several decades.
Lockheed Martin’s proposal includes promises to create approximately 500 direct jobs in north-east England through an assembly facility in Durham, along with an estimated 1,500 additional positions across the broader supply chain. The company also highlights potential export opportunities and integration capabilities with US military systems. Lockheed has committed to retaining intellectual property developed in the UK and maintains research partnerships with Northumbria University.
Opponents of the Lockheed bid contend that selecting the American company would rely on US technology rather than British innovations and could damage the UK’s domestic space industry. Industry observers warn that choosing Lockheed might prompt Airbus to relocate satellite construction elsewhere, while also undermining export potential for British technology. Airbus and its predecessor companies have manufactured UK military satellites for decades, including the current Skynet 5 system.
Defence Eye reported that the Ministry of Defence was targeting an early decision on the contract. Government officials must balance considerations including domestic job preservation, technological sovereignty, defense capability integration, and relations with the current US administration.
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