European defense companies Leonardo, Airbus, and Thales are working on a satellite partnership that could be announced within months, according to Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani. The goal is to build a European satellite network that offers an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
“At the moment, we are working together and trying to find whether there is possible good synergy, whether this is convenient from a market point of view and, of course, also whether this is acceptable from the antitrust point of view,” Cingolani told CNBC.
Cingolani said current global tensions mean security must come before price concerns. “The most relevant [thing] at the moment is to guarantee deterrence and security… more than the best price for a tank,” he said.
Cingolani said the alliance is not meant to compete directly with Starlink but to offer Europe its own option. He said a plan could be ready in months. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that the companies are already in discussions with European regulators about the proposal.
Last month, Leonardo announced its plan to launch 38 satellites—18 military and 20 civil—starting in 2027 and continuing through 2028. These satellites would support secure communications and other defense and civil uses.
The plan comes as Europe faces increasing pressure to build up its own defense capabilities. Starlink has been key in helping Ukraine maintain communications during the war with Russia, but some European countries are wary of depending on a U.S.-based company for critical infrastructure.
Italy announced last month that it will pause talks with Musk’s SpaceX over a secure satellite system after criticism from opposition leaders about Musk’s comments on Ukraine. Italy’s defense minister Guido Crosetto said Starlink may still be an option, but for now talks are on hold.
