Skynet 6

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost: Not disclosed
Published schedule: 01/01/2011 – 31/12/2041
NISTA delivery confidence: RED
Senior responsible owner: Jason Gnaneswaran

What the project is for

Skynet 6 was established to replace the satellite communication services provided by the SKYNET 5 Public Finance Initiative with Airbus Defence and Space. When introduced it will provide continued satellite communications to 2042.

Departmental delivery commentary

Compared to financial year 24/25 Q4, the NISTA/SRO Delivery Confidence Assessment (DCA) rating at 25/26 Q4 remained at Red. This is primarily due to the following factors.. 1. Significant disparity between the programme’s scope and financial provision remains and cannot be aligned until the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan is known. 2. Resourcing constraints continue to impact delivery at programme level. Sub-par supplier performance continues to delay delivery of the first SKYNET 6 satellite.

Schedule

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the programme's end-date at 25/26-Q4 remained the same at 31/12/2041.

Cost

Exempt under Section 43 - Commercial interests

Benefits

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the project's departmental-agree monetised benefits at 25/26-Q4 remained at 0m.