Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the new Skynet 6 satellite; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.

The Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of SKYNET 6A is defined as having seven of the ultra-high frequency channels available for operational use by Ministry of Defence and allied personnel as soon as the satellite has reached its initial geo-stationary orbit for testing. The contracted date for IOC is January 2026. Full operating capability will be achieved following transit to the designated operational position and completion of final testing, which is forecast to be in August 2026.