Union Urges Burnham to Award £2.4bn Skynet 6 Contract to Airbus Over Lockheed Martin

The UK faces a pivotal decision over a £2.4bn military satellite contract as Unite union leader Sharon Graham pushes Defence Secretary Andy Burnham to favor Airbus over US rival Lockheed Martin.

Defence Procurement Meets Jobs Protection Battle

Airbus’ Domestic Production Edge

■Airbus has designed and built satellites in Stevenage and Portsmouth for two decades, putting 600 direct jobs at risk if the contract shifts.

■Unite warns that awarding the deal to Lockheed Martin would be a “massive mistake” for British industry.

Lockheed Martin’s Offer and Export Potential

■Lockheed Martin pledges 500 direct jobs in northeast England plus 1.500 in the wider supply chain, with an emphasis on US integration and export prospects.

Public Procurement Policy and Post‑Brexit Strategy

■Andy Burnham’s pledge to “back British industry” will be tested first with the Skynet 6 contract.

■New Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will use this decision to gauge the UK’s ability to maintain sovereign defence capabilities amid a protectionist US administration.

Ege Kaan: Pressure on UK defence contracts from the US risks making Britain dependent on American technology; choosing Airbus preserves domestic engineering talent and strengthens long‑term export potential.