Europe’s Satellite Ambitions: Strategic Convergence Against Starlink
In the evolving global competition for space-based infrastructure, Europe is seeking to reduce its dependence on non-European constellations and assert technological sovereignty in orbital communications. The strategic relevance of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks is no longer limited to commercial broadband. These systems are now central to military communications, critical infrastructure protection, and the resilience of digital economies. As the United States expands the global footprint of Starlink and China accelerates deployment of its own constellations, European actors face mounting pressure to develop autonomous capabilities. The “Project Bromo” initiative—named after an Indonesian volcano—marks a significant attempt by Europe to establish an industrial response to these dynamics.
According to Reuters (July 24, 2025), French and Italian ministers confirmed that negotiations are advancing between Leonardo, Thales, and Airbus to create a European satellite manufacturing entity capable of competing with Starlink. The initiative, supported by French President Emmanuel Macron and discussed at the Paris Airshow in June, aims to establish a joint venture that balances industrial and national interests between France and Italy. During a bilateral consultation held in Paris, France’s Industry Minister Marc Ferracci described the talks as “constructive,” while his Italian counterpart Adolfo Urso emphasized the goal of achieving equal influence within the structure of the new entity. Leonardo’s CEO Roberto Cingolani indicated that a further assessment of progress would take place by the end of July.
This initiative reflects a broader recognition that the space economy is becoming a strategic domain. LEO satellite networks are not only reshaping global telecommunications but also playing a key role in military command and control, geospatial intelligence, and secure connectivity in conflict zones. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the operational value of commercial constellations, prompting NATO members to re-evaluate the security implications of relying on non-European infrastructure. Project Bromo, therefore, goes beyond industrial policy: it represents a response to a shifting security environment in which orbital dominance intersects with national resilience and alliance cohesion.
The involvement of Leonardo, Thales, and Airbus is critical. These companies bring complementary capabilities in space systems, secure communications, and defense-grade technologies. Their cooperation under a single industrial vehicle could accelerate development cycles, standardize production, and enable scalable deployment of European LEO constellations. However, challenges remain. Reconciling corporate governance structures, investment schedules, and state-level expectations will require clear political will and an effective regulatory framework. The success of the initiative will depend not only on technical execution but also on the capacity of France, Italy, and other EU stakeholders to align their strategic visions.
From a military and geopolitical standpoint, Europe's capacity to build its own secure satellite infrastructure is no longer a matter of prestige—it is a strategic necessity. The potential for asymmetric disruption through denial of access to non-European systems, the strategic signaling of orbital presence, and the integration of space-based assets into multi-domain operations all contribute to the urgency of such programs. Project Bromo could form the nucleus of a broader European satellite defense and resilience architecture, complementing national programs and initiatives like IRIS² under the EU Space Programme. If brought to maturity, it would mark a significant step toward closing Europe’s strategic gap in the space domain.
In conclusion, the current negotiations around Project Bromo reflect Europe’s awareness that space is now a core dimension of strategic competition. The effort to develop a sovereign industrial platform for satellite manufacturing, led by Leonardo, Thales, and Airbus, represents a move toward technological autonomy and geopolitical balance. As global tensions deepen and space becomes increasingly contested, initiatives like this one will define not only Europe’s place in orbit, but its capacity to act with strategic independence across all domains.