Three European aerospace giants plan to combine their space units into a single heavyweight, hoping to boost the continent's space autonomy.

The deal was announced on Thursday and has Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combine their respective space activities into one company.

According to Airbus, the aim is "to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in space."

"This new company also intends to serve as the trusted partner for developing and implementing national sovereign space programmes."

Airbus, which will own 35 percent of the new company, will contribute its Space Systems and Space Digital businesses from Airbus Defence and Space. Leonardo, which will have a 32.5 percent stake, will contribute its Space Division. Thales, which will also h

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