Written questions

Skynet

Commons · Question 22777 · Tabled 28 Aug 2026 · Ministry of Defence · Official record

Answered 10 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Ben Obese-Jecty

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 83 of the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026., what assessment he has made of the potential challenges of extending the lifespan of SKYNET 5.

Answer

Answered by Luke Pollard, 10 Sep 2026

Expert assessments have been made and measures already taken on extant Skynet 5 satellites to extend life without impacting operations. However, the age of the satellites mean there is still a firm requirement for timely delivery of replacement satellites...