Airbus, Leonardo and Thales strike space deal to rival Musk’s SpaceX
European defence groups promise ‘significant synergies’ to respond to rapid expansion of Starlink network
European defence groups promise ‘significant synergies’ to respond to rapid expansion of Starlink network

Hurdles to merger of Airbus, Thales and Leonardo operations come as industry struggles against Elon Musk’s Starlink

Airbus set to own 35% under agreement while Leonardo and Thales would each hold 32.5%

Deal follows pressure from regulators and is expected to help Starlink expand

Revolut backer Balderton Capital says continent needs to accelerate development of space and defence industry

The continent’s alternative is a jobs programme cosplaying as a space strategy

Constellation would be the ESA’s first big programme designed for defence and security as well as civil purposes