Supporting Space Forces in the UK: providing advanced space-based solutions that enhance national sovereignty and security

Airbus, Leonardo and Thales sign Memorandum of Understanding to create a leading European player in space

Thales, together with Airbus and Leonardo, has launched a strategic partnership to combine their strengths in satellite and space systems manufacturing and related services. By joining forces, the three companies aim to reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy in space, a domain that is essential for secure communications, navigation, earth observation, exploration, and national security. This collaborative effort intends to create a trusted partner for the delivery of national and European sovereign space programmes, ensuring both operational independence and resilience for future defence and government needs.

As an integrated European space leader, this new entity will accelerate innovation, unite complementary technologies, and drive forward the sustainability and security of European nations. With a commitment to delivering added value for customers and stakeholders, the initiative will enhance Europe’s role on the global stage. Pending regulatory approvals, the partnership aims to launch operations by 2027.

TAS

Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, is an industry leader in designing and delivering advanced space systems that underpin national security, resilience, and sovereign capabilities. With a proven track record supporting government and defence customers, including the UK’s critical space infrastructure, TAS specialises in secure satellite communications, surveillance, and intelligence platforms. Leveraging decades of heritage and technological excellence, TAS delivers end-to-end space solutions tailored to address today’s defence challenges, from protected connectivity to space situational awareness, ensuring that armed forces can operate with confidence, continuity, and independence in the contested space domain.

Satellite Terminals

Robust and secure satellite communications are vital for modern defence operations, enabling connectivity and situational awareness for deployed forces across all domains. Thales, in partnership with Airbus and Leonardo, delivers state-of-the-art satellite terminal solutions designed to meet the demanding requirements of national security and sovereign defence. These advanced terminals ensure protected, resilient, and high-capacity communications for command and control, intelligence sharing, and operational coordination, even in contested and austere environments.

Engineered for rapid deployment and interoperability, Thales satellite terminals provide armed forces with assured connectivity on the move, supporting mission-critical applications and enabling seamless integration within joint and coalition networks. By reinforcing secure communications, Thales strengthens the UK’s ability to command, protect, and respond, delivering decisive advantage in the information domain.