Airbus, Thales and Leonardo Unite to Form Europe’s Largest Satellite Maker and Challenge Starlink

ROME/PARIS — Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo have reached a landmark agreement to merge their satellite manufacturing operations, creating Europe’s largest space venture to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink. The new entity, expected to launch in 2027 pending regulatory approval, will employ 25,000 people and generate annual revenues of €6.5 billion. Airbus will hold a 35% stake, while Thales and Leonardo will each own 32.5%, operating under a balanced joint governance structure.

Challenge Starlink

The consolidation, dubbed “Project Bromo,” is projected to deliver mid-triple-digit million-euro synergies within five years. The merger combines Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and selected Airbus space units to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in low Earth orbit satellite production. Company leaders said the alliance aims to secure Europe’s strategic autonomy in space amid intensifying global competition. Unions will be consulted, though no immediate job cuts are planned.

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