The European space industry is set to undergo a dramatic transformation. Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at combining their respective space activities into a single, leading new European player. The combination is intended to be an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
This joint initiative, a crucial step in strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness in space, should give the new company the critical mass to compete globally. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions including regulatory clearances, with the new company expected to be operational in 2027.
New European space player aims to unite and enhance capabilities by combining the three respective activities in satellite and space systems manufacturing and space services.
The combined entity will employ around 25,000 people across Europe. With an annual turnover of about 6.5bn€ (end of 2024, pro-forma) and an order backlog representing more than three years of projected sales, this new company will form a robust, innovative and competitive entity worldwide.
With an order book representing more than three years of expected sales, this new company will form a robust, innovative and competitive entity worldwide.
The CEOs of the three companies emphasized the importance of the merger. Guillaume Faury (Airbus), Roberto Cingolani (Leonardo), and Patrice Caine (Thales) stated in a joint statement that this marks “a pivotal moment for the European space industry.” They share the vision of creating a stronger and more competitive European presence by “pooling talent, resources, expertise, and R&D capabilities.”
Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus, Roberto Cingolani, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo and Patrice Caine, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Thales, stated in a joint statement that this “marks a pivotal milestone for Europe’s space industry.”
They share the vision of creating a stronger and more competitive European presence by pooling “talent, resources, expertise and R&D capabilities.”
