European Giants Unite: Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo Craft the Continent's Starlink

Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo have initiated a partnership to create a satellite network competitive with SpaceX's Starlink, focusing on enhancing Europe's aerospace capabilities. Dubbed 'Project Bromo', this alliance aims to establish a substantial European presence in the satellite industry by 2027, creating significant employment and expected financial synergies.

In a strategic move to bolster Europe's aerospace industry, Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo have formed a coalition to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink with their own satellite network. This venture, dubbed 'Project Bromo', aims to establish operations in Toulouse by 2027, reinvigorating European aerospace with an expected revenue of 6.5 billion euros.

Industry leaders, including French Finance Minister Roland Lescure and Italy's Industry Minister Adolfo Urso, praised the deal for enhancing European sovereignty amid fierce global competition. The alliance seeks to address the industry's challenges posed by lower-cost, smaller satellites, bolstering the profitability and competitiveness of European champions.

The combined entity will draw on operations from Thales Alenia Space, Telespazio, and Airbus's digital businesses. While past attempts at unification faced regulatory challenges, the partners plan to safeguard against complications by focusing on efficiency and synergy. As this alliance takes shape, stakeholders prepare for negotiations with governments and unions.

(With inputs from agencies.)