3 companies join forces to boost Europe's space autonomy

""This new company also intends to serve as the trusted partner for developing and implementing national sovereign space programmes." Airbus, which will own 35 percent of the new company, will contribute its Space Systems and Space Digital businesses from Airbus Defence and Space. Leonardo, which will have a 32.5 percent stake, will contribute its Space Division. Thales, which will also hold a 32.5 percent stake, will contribute its shares in Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and Thales SESO."

"The combined entity will employ approximately 25,000 people across Europe and have an initial annual turnover of about €6.5 billion (based on 2024 figures). The new company, if it clears regulatory hurdles, is expected to be operational by 2027 and will, according to Airbus, "pool, build and develop a comprehensive portfolio of complementary technologies and end-to-end solutions, from space infrastructure to services (excluding space launchers)." Despite pooling their resources, the entity formed by the three companies faces challenges."

Airbus, Leonardo and Thales signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combine their space activities into a single company aimed at strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy in space and serving as a trusted partner for national sovereign space programmes. Airbus will hold 35% and contribute Space Systems and Space Digital units; Leonardo and Thales will each hold 32.5%, contributing their Space Division and shares in Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio and Thales SESO respectively. The combined entity would employ about 25,000 people with initial annual turnover near €6.5 billion, target operational start by 2027, and offer end-to-end space infrastructure and services excluding launchers.

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