A European space giant has been born to compete with the US: Airbus, Leonardo and Thales have joined forces.

Europe is preparing to take a historic leap forward in achieving space autonomy. Airbus, Leonardo and Thales have signed an agreement to merge their space divisions and establish a new joint venture, which is set to begin operating in 2027. Based in Toulouse, this new player will employ around 25,000 people and aims to become one of the world’s leading companies in the sector.

The future company will combine the technological expertise of the three multinationals and have a balanced shareholding structure. Airbus will own 35% of the capital, while Leonardo and Thales will each hold 32.5%. Governance will be shared, seeking to strengthen European industrial cooperation in an increasingly competitive market currently dominated by US companies.

According to forecasts, the new group will generate €6.5 billion in turnover by the end of 2024, with an order book equivalent to more than three years of activity. It is estimated that synergies between the three companies will generate several hundred million euros annually once the merger is finalised.

The common goal is clear: to create a unified, integrated and resilient European player that drives innovation and technological sovereignty in key areas such as telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation and security.

Airbus will contribute its Space Systems and Space Digital divisions, Leonardo will contribute its space business and its stakes in Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space, and Thales will contribute its stakes in Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio and Thales SESO.

The three CEOs — Guillaume Faury (Airbus), Roberto Cingolani (Leonardo) and Patrice Caine (Thales) — have described this step as ‘a fundamental milestone for the European space industry’, highlighting its potential to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and generate new opportunities in global markets.

This alliance will provide Europe with a first-rate industrial tool with which to compete in the new space race, in which innovation, cooperation and technological sovereignty will be key to the future.

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