Europe is taking a bold step to challenge Elon Musk’s Starlink network by building its own powerful satellite system aimed at strengthening the continent’s independence in space technology.

Three of Europe’s biggest aerospace giants, Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo, have announced plans to merge their satellite divisions to create a new group that will stand as a direct rival to Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. 

The new alliance, to be known as Bromo, is expected to be based in Toulouse, France, a city already home to major aerospace operations.

It is a push for European Autonomy in Space

The merger is not just about business, it’s about strategy. The companies said their goal is to “strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in space,” recognizing how dependent many regions have become on foreign systems for internet access, navigation, and communication.

With space becoming a key part of global infrastructure, Europe wants to secure its place in an industry that supports everything from telecommunications and defense to scientific research and exploration. 

The new group will focus on designing, building, and maintaining advanced communication and navigation satellites that could form the backbone of Europe’s next-generation high-speed networks.

Challenging Starlink’s dominance

Starlink, powered by Musk’s SpaceX rockets, already operates more than 8,000 satellites in orbit, making it the largest satellite internet system in the world. 

These satellites beam internet service to remote and rural areas globally, helping bridge the connectivity gap.

In contrast, the European Union’s own project, IRIS2, will focus on secure communications rather than sheer scale. 

Slated to launch by 2030, IRIS2 will deploy around 300 satellites to provide safer, government-grade internet connections across Europe and beyond.

European Space Agency (ESA) Director Josef Aschbacher described the project as “absolutely urgent,” saying it would ensure that Europe remains technologically competitive while protecting its digital security.

Economic boost and job security

The collaboration between Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo is projected to bring in annual revenues of around €6.5 billion, with a backlog of orders equal to more than three years of sales. 

Thales also confirmed that a new €100 million engineering contract linked to IRIS2 will help the company avoid previously planned job cuts in its space operations.

The new satellite group will employ thousands of workers across France, Italy, and other European countries. By combining their resources, the three companies hope to increase investment in research, innovation, and digital infrastructure, helping Europe keep pace with rapidly advancing global competition.

What you should expect

If regulators approve the merger, Bromo is expected to become fully operational by 2027. Airbus will hold a 35% stake, while Thales and Leonardo will share 32.5% each.

European leaders have praised the move, with France’s Finance Minister, Roland Lescure, calling it “excellent news” for the continent’s technological future. 

He said the partnership would boost innovation and protect Europe’s sovereignty in one of the world’s most competitive sectors.