Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have agreed to merge their space activities into a single company to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Under the new entity, the partners will support national sovereign space programs and compete in global export markets.
The company will bring together technologies and services across the full space infrastructure spectrum.
It will support telecommunications, global navigation, earth observation, research and development, and space exploration.
While supporting cooperation across nations in the space domain, the partnership “aligns with the ambitions of European governments to strengthen their industrial and technological assets,” the companies said in a joint statement.
Moreover, the initiative is expected to “unlock incremental revenues, leveraging an expanded portfolio of end-to-end products and services leading to a more competitive offering, and greater global commercial reach.”
Enhancing Space Capabilities
Shareholding in the new entity will be 35 percent for Airbus and 32.5 percent each for Leonardo and Thales.
It will operate under shared control, with a governance structure balanced between the three companies.
Airbus will bring its Space Systems and Space Digital businesses from Airbus Defence and Space, covering satellite platforms, spacecraft technologies, and digital services for space operations.
Leonardo will contribute its Space Division, including stakes in Telespazio, a provider of satellite services and ground infrastructure, and Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture with Thales.
Thales is adding its shares in Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and Thales SESO, strengthening capabilities in satellite manufacturing, space services, and mission support.
