Airbus, Thales, Leonardo: European Response to Starlink

Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are collaborating to create a new European joint venture, aiming to consolidate their satellite activities. This move aims to strengthen European competitiveness against global giants like Elon Musk's Starlink.

The agreement, expected to take effect in 2027, is subject to the approval of European regulatory authorities. The new company will employ approximately 25,000 people and operate under a joint control model, with Airbus holding 35% and Thales and Leonardo each holding 32.5%.

According to forecasts, the collaboration will generate hundreds of millions of euros in annual synergies, five years after its launch. The initiative, known as 'Project Bromo,' follows the model of the successful European missile manufacturer MBDA.

European groups seek to address the increasing competition from new companies building small, inexpensive low-Earth orbit satellites, which have rendered traditional geostationary orbit systems obsolete. Consolidation is considered crucial to strengthening the European presence in the satellite industry.