Airbus, Leonardo and Thales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at combining their respective space activities into a new company.
“This proposed new company marks a pivotal milestone for Europe’s space industry. It embodies our shared vision to build a stronger and more competitive European presence in an increasingly dynamic global space market. By pooling our talent, resources, expertise and R&D capabilities, we aim to generate growth, accelerate innovation and deliver greater value to our customers and stakeholders. This partnership aligns with the ambitions of European governments to strengthen their industrial and technological assets, ensuring Europe’s autonomy across the strategic space domain and its many applications. It offers employees the opportunity to be at the heart of this ambitious initiative, while benefiting from enhanced career prospects and the collective strength of the three industry leaders," Chief Executive Officer of Airbus, Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo, Roberto Cingolani, and Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Thales, Patrice Caine, declared.
By joining forces, Airbus, Leonardo and Thales aim to strengthen Europe’s autonomy in space, a sector that underpins critical infrastructure and services related to telecommunications, global navigation, earth observation, science, exploration and national security.
This new company will pool, build and develop a comprehensive portfolio of complementary technologies and end-to-end solutions, from space infrastructure to services (excluding space launchers). It will hope to accelerate innovation in this market, in order to create a unified, integrated and resilient European space player, with the critical mass to compete globally and grow on the export markets.
Ownership of the new company will be shared among the parent companies, with Airbus, Leonardo and Thales owning respectively 35%, 32.5% and 32.5% stakes. It will operate under joint control, with a balanced governance structure among shareholders.
- Airbus will contribute with its Space Systems and Space Digital businesses, coming from Airbus Defence and Space.
- Leonardo will contribute with its Space Division, including its shares in Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space.
- Thales will mainly contribute with its shares in Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and Thales SESO.
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions including regulatory clearances, with the new company expected to be operational in 2027.