Europe is gearing up for a bold new chapter in the global space race. Leading aerospace and defense giants — Airbus, Thales of France, and Leonardo of Italy — have agreed to form a joint venture that will directly challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network.
The new company, set to launch operations in 2027, aims to consolidate Europe’s struggling satellite manufacturing sector into a single powerhouse capable of providing secure and high-performance internet from orbit. With around 25,000 employees and a projected €6.5 billion in annual sales, the initiative could mark a turning point for Europe’s technological sovereignty.
However, the venture still needs approval from European regulators, who in the past have been reluctant to greenlight such large-scale consolidations. Supporters argue that this time, the project serves a higher purpose — strengthening Europe’s digital independence and reducing reliance on U.S.-based infrastructure.
If successful, this alliance could establish a new era in which Europe reclaims its place among the space superpowers. While Musk’s Starlink continues to dominate the skies, Europe is quietly preparing its own constellation — one designed not just for competition, but for strategic autonomy.