Satellite to get the army talking

The UK military's communications options will receive a boost with the launch of the first Skynet satellite - due to go live in the coming weeks.

The satellite, Skynet 5A, was launched from French Guiana on Sunday and is undergoing in-orbit testing before becoming fully operational in three to four weeks.

The Skynet 5 system will enable the UK's armed forces to co-ordinate strategic and tactical operations around the globe, as well as improve information distribution services.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is expected to spend around £3.6bn to use the satellite network over the next 13 years.

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The system is funded through a private finance initiative, with the satellite owned and operated by Paradigm Secure Communications (a subsidiary of EADS Astrium), and the MoD paying to use its services.

A second Skynet 5 satellite is due to be launched towards the end of the year, with the possibility of a third being deployed, depending on the success of the others.

The new satellite will complement the Skynet 4 network already in place.

Astrium's CEO, François Auque, said the launch heralds a new era in secure military communications for the MoD.