US defense company Northrop Grumman NOC.N has withdrawn from a tender to supply narrow-band military satellite communications for Britain’s armed forces, the Financial Times reported on Friday.
Northrop joined forces with Airbus AIR.PA in its offer.
Last month, the two companies agreed a strategic partnership to bid for the broadband component of the UK’s SKYNET military satellite communications programme, according to a statement dated October 23.
According to the FT, Northrop’s withdrawal from the narrowband part of the tender left a partnership between Thales Alenia Space and Thales UK as the only contender in the race.
Northrop told the FT: “After careful review of the invitation to negotiate for the SKYNET narrow-band military satellite communications program, the company has decided to withdraw from the tender.”
A UK Ministry of Defense spokesperson said: “SKYNET 6 will provide the UK with the next generation of military satellite communications and both narrowband and wideband procurement processes are underway