LMT · News · 20261106N

UK Skynet Satellite Contract Bid

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP · 2026-11-06 · Importance 52 · Surprise 42 · In source text

Lockheed Martin is proposing a factory in County Durham to build military satellites for Britain, with the company saying the facility would create 500 skilled jobs. The project depends on the UK Ministry of Defence awarding Lockheed’s UK subsidiary a £2 billion contract to operate the Skynet military communications system. The bid has prompted political and labor opposition, including calls from Labour’s union backers to “buy British.”

Key facts

• The proposed factory and satellite production depend on the UK Ministry of Defence awarding Lockheed's UK subsidiary a £2bn contract to run Britain's Skynet military communication system. source
• Lockheed Martin is proposing to build a new generation of military satellites for Britain at a factory in the North East Technology Park, County Durham. source
• Lockheed Martin says its proposed factory will bring 500 skilled jobs and a hub of space expertise to the region. source
• The digest reports that Lockheed Martin had emerged as the favourite for the Skynet deal. source

Impact estimates