Britain is considering abandoning a $2.6 billion agreement with American defense contractor Lockheed Martin to acquire next-generation Skynet military satellites. According to The Telegraph, concerns that Washington could gain control over how the UK uses the system have prompted Downing Street to reconsider the deal.

British officials fear that purchasing the satellites could leave the country’s military communications infrastructure vulnerable to decisions made by the US government. Under the proposed arrangement, Washington could potentially gain the authority to block Britain from using the satellites in certain circumstances.

A source cited by The Telegraph warned that the White House could effectively hold a kill switch capable of restricting British access to its own military satellite system.

The prospect of such dependence has raised questions about Britain’s ability to conduct military operations independently of the United States.

Concerns in London intensified after reports emerged that Ukrainian forces had encountered restrictions affecting satellite communications. According to the newspaper, the developments over the previous 24 hours accelerated the British government’s reconsideration of the Lockheed Martin agreement.

The controversy followed a statement by Sergei Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine’s leadership, who reported disruptions affecting satellite communications used by Ukrainian troops.

Beskrestnov said the connection began failing when equipment traveled at speeds above 160 kilometers per hour. The restrictions reportedly disrupted several planned Ukrainian military operations and created additional logistical difficulties.

The reports prompted questions about the extent to which Washington could control satellite services used by its allies and partners.

Elon Musk subsequently clarified that the restrictions concerned Starshield, a satellite communications system controlled by the US government, rather than the standard Starlink network.

Musk also emphasized that Starlink is intended exclusively for civilian and defensive purposes.