Airbus acquires Ultra Cyber

Airbus has entered into an agreement to acquire Ultra Cyber, a cybersecurity firm based in the UK, from Cobham Ultra, which is owned by private equity group Advent International. This acquisition marks Airbus's continued expansion into the cybersecurity sector, aiming to strengthen its position as a major European player in cyber defense. Although financial terms were not disclosed, the transaction highlights Airbus's strategic commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities.

The deal will see Ultra Cyber's team of over 200 employees, primarily situated in Maidenhead, join Airbus. This move complements Airbus's current cybersecurity operations in Newport, Wales. Ultra Cyber brings specific expertise, including specialised airborne datalinks, which will be integrated with Airbus's military aircraft portfolio. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy for Airbus, which recently acquired German cybersecurity firm Infodas in September 2024, to broaden its cybersecurity footprint across Europe.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the company's dedication to maintaining a significant presence in the UK, which he describes as a "core home market." He added that the integration of Ultra Cyber’s capabilities will enhance Airbus’s role as a trusted partner to the UK Ministry of Defence, contributing crucially to the development of sovereign cyber infrastructure in the UK and with its allies.

The acquisition of Ultra Cyber is consistent with Airbus's ambition to establish itself as a significant cybersecurity force in Europe, a region increasingly focused on bolstering cyber defenses amid rising threats. The transaction also aligns with Airbus's intention to construct a "European digital shield," as part of its multi-sovereign cyber strategy. As geopolitical tensions and cyber threats mount, acquiring leading-edge technological capabilities becomes imperative for major aerospace entities such as Airbus.

Completion of the acquisition is contingent upon customary regulatory approvals and is anticipated to close in the second half of 2026. This timeline provides Airbus with a window to plan integration strategies and set the stage for leveraging Ultra Cyber’s capabilities to their full potential.