What's Happening?
Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have announced a partnership to combine their space activities into a new company aimed at strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy in space. This collaboration will focus on developing and implementing national sovereign
space programs and providing integrated solutions across major space domains. The new entity will pool technologies and services, excluding space launchers, to create a unified European space player capable of competing globally. The partnership is expected to generate significant synergies and enhance Europe's competitiveness in the international space market.
Why It's Important?
The formation of this new company is a strategic move to bolster Europe's position in the global space industry, which is critical for telecommunications, navigation, earth observation, and national security. By combining resources and expertise, the partnership aims to foster innovation and technological progress, ensuring Europe remains a key player in the space sector. This initiative aligns with European governments' ambitions to strengthen industrial and technological assets, providing stability and predictability to the European space ecosystem. The collaboration is also expected to create new opportunities for European suppliers and employees, enhancing career prospects and technical capabilities.
What's Next?
The new company is expected to be operational by 2027, pending regulatory clearances and consultations with employee representatives. The partnership will focus on accelerating innovation and expanding its market reach, with plans to leverage joint R&D capabilities for cutting-edge space missions. The combined entity will employ around 25,000 people across Europe, with an annual turnover of approximately €6.5 billion. The collaboration aims to unlock incremental revenues and enhance operational efficiency, positioning Europe as a major player in the international space market.
