Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo Unite for Groundbreaking European Space Initiative

Three of Europe's biggest aerospace and defense companies, Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo, are merging their space operations to create what they?ˉre calling a“leading European space company.”

Europe's Answer to Starlink

Announced on October 23, 2025, the partnership is aimed at strengthening Europe's technological independence. The new company will serve as a European rival to Elon Musk's Starlink, and focus on satellite networks and services rather than rocket launches.

Offering“end-to-end solutions,” from space infrastructure to downstream services, the merged entity will employ around 25,000 people. It's expected to be up and running by 2027, pending regulatory approval.

Ownership and Operations

Under the agreement, Airbus will hold a 35% majority stake, while Leonardo and Thales will each own 32.5%.

Airbus will contribute its Space Systems and Space Digital businesses, Leonardo will add its entire Space division, including stakes in Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space. Thales will transfer its shares in Thales Alenia Space and Thales SESO.

Europe's Broader Space Race

Europe has been looking for a serious contender to Starlink, which currently dominates global satellite broadband. Eutelsat, which merged with the UK's OneWeb in 2023, has long been seen as the likely challenger, but it has a much smaller satellite fleet than Starlink and has struggled to keep pace.

Executives from Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo described the partnership as important to ensuring Europe retains control over its communications and defense infrastructure?aa growing concern as Starlink's footprint expands.

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff

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