Airbus could sell its American space division to accelerate its European project

Airbus is reportedly considering selling its US space business to refocus on its alliance with Thales and Leonardo. The group has apparently entered into preliminary discussions with potential buyers for a division that includes the Merritt Island, Florida, plant and the Arrow family of small satellites.

The European manufacturer has fully owned Airbus OneWeb Satellites since January 2024, after acquiring Eutelsat-OneWeb's 50% stake. Founded in 2016, this company has manufactured more than 600 low-Earth orbit communication satellites for the first OneWeb constellation. The value of a potential sale could reach several hundred million dollars.

A European champion to compete with SpaceX

This reflection comes after several difficult years for Airbus's space activities, particularly in telecommunications satellites. The group recorded €1,3 billion in charges on its space programs in 2024, including €300 million in the fourth quarter.

Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo are simultaneously preparing to combine some of their activities to create a European space player capable of better competing with SpaceX and Chinese competitors. The three companies signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2025. The new entity could begin operations in 2027, subject to approval from European regulatory authorities.