The Skynet 5 Private Finance Initiative

The UK MoD’s Skynet 5 programme is delivering secure global satellite communications services under a groundbreaking Private Finance Initiative (PFI) approach pioneered by Astrium Services’ subsidiary Paradigm, the first commercial provider of secure military communications services. Under the contract, signed in 2003, the MoD transferred ownership and operation of the existing Skynet 4 infrastructure to Paradigm, and the company is procuring and managing the introduction into service of three new-generation Skynet 5 satellites (due for launch in 2007–2008), a major upgrade of the fixed terrestrial infrastructure, networks and management systems in the UK and provision of a range of new terminals. All UK secure satellite communications needs, including maintenance and operation of the complete ground infrastructure, are delivered by Paradigm.