Airbus, Leonardo, Thales unite to form satellite and space powerhouse alliance

Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have cemented their intention to form a satellite and space powerhouse alliance with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  

On October 23, 2025, the three European companies said that their aim is to combine their respective space activities into a new company with a combined workforce of 25,000 employees. 

Airbus, Leonardo and Thales said the ambition is to “strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in space”, a sector they said “underpins critical infrastructure and services” in telecommunications, global navigation, earth observation, science, exploration and national security.   

“This new company also intends to serve as the trusted partner for developing and implementing national sovereign space programs,” said a spokesperson. 

The hope is that through a unified entity they will build a “resilient European space player” with the power to compete globally and compete with companies such as Elon Musk’s Starlink. 

Arianespace“This proposed new company marks a pivotal milestone for Europe’s space industry. It embodies our shared vision to build a stronger and more competitive European presence in an increasingly dynamic global space market. By pooling our talent, resources, expertise and R&D capabilities, we aim to generate growth, accelerate innovation and deliver greater value to our customers and stakeholders,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo and Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales. 

They added: “This partnership aligns with the ambitions of European governments to strengthen their industrial and technological assets, ensuring Europe’s autonomy across the strategic space domain and its many applications. It offers employees the opportunity to be at the heart of this ambitious initiative, while benefiting from enhanced career prospects and the collective strength of the three industry leaders.” 

Based on figures at the end of 2024, the new company would have an annual turnover of about $7.5 billion (€6.5 billion) and an order backlog representing more than three years of projected sales. 

Ownership of the new company will be shared among the parent companies, with Airbus, Leonardo and Thales owning respectively 35%, 32.5% and 32.5% stakes.   

The companies said they will now consult with employee representatives and seek regulatory clearances. The new company is expected to be operational in 2027. 

Company aims

Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales set out the combined company aims as:

Foster innovation and technological progress by harnessing joint R&D capabilities to be at the cutting edge of space missions in all domains, including services, and enhance operational efficiency, benefiting from economies of scale and optimized production processes. 

Increase competitiveness facing global players, reaching critical mass and ensuring Europe secures its role as a major player in the international space market. 

Lead innovative programs to address evolving customer and European sovereign needs, national sovereign and military programs, by providing integrated solutions for infrastructure & services in all major space domains, driving cooperation across nations and having the capability to invest. 

Strengthen the European space ecosystem by bringing more stability and predictability to the industrial landscape, amplifying opportunities for the benefit of European suppliers of all sizes. 

Create new opportunities for employee development through broader technical capabilities and the extensive multinational footprint of the new company. 

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