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In a landmark move for the European space industry, Airbus, Thales, and Italy’s Leonardo have announced a major merger to form one of the continent’s most powerful satellite and space technology companies. The deal, whose financial details remain undisclosed, aims to boost Europe’s independence and competitiveness in a field increasingly dominated by global players such as Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The newly merged company will focus on enhancing Europe’s “strategic autonomy in space,” covering vital sectors including telecommunications, global navigation, earth observation, science, exploration, and national security. However, the agreement specifically excludes space launcher programs like Airbus’s Ariane rockets. The collaboration marks a turning point for Europe’s aerospace industry, as governments push for greater control over technologies that shape digital connectivity and defense. Read more : Go AI Hub Launches to Empower Pakistani Freelancers Based on current operations, the combined group’s annual revenues are estimated to reach €6.5 billion (approximately $7.5 billion), with an order backlog equivalent to more than three years of projected sales. If approved by regulatory authorities, the new entity is expected to become operational by 2027. Under the agreement, Airbus will hold a 35 percent stake, while Thales and Leonardo will each own 32.5 percent, ensuring shared leadership across the venture. Executives from all three companies highlighted that the partnership aligns closely with the ambitions of European governments to safeguard technological sovereignty. They noted that uniting their expertise in satellite design, manufacturing, and deployment will enable Europe to compete more effectively with major private-sector rivals in the U.S. and beyond. The new venture will also accelerate innovation and investment in next-generation communication systems. The announcement has already been welcomed by several European nations, with France calling the merger “excellent news” for the continent’s industrial and research ambitions. Officials emphasized that the creation of a unified satellite powerhouse will reinforce Europe’s sovereignty in space technology and encourage deeper investment in research and innovation. As global competition intensifies, the deal marks a significant step toward building a self-reliant European space ecosystem capable of shaping the future of digital and defense infrastructure.
