Airbus Expands Cyber Security Portfolio with Second Acquisition in Under a Month
Airbus, the aerospace heavyweight, has announced a deal to acquire French cyber security firm Quarkslab, less than a month after snapping up UK-based Ultra Cyber. This move aims to bolster its presence in the European cyber-security landscape and build a 'digital shield' to protect critical assets.
Details of the Quarkslab Acquisition
The acquisition of Quarkslab, a privately-owned company founded in 2011 with around 100 employees based in Paris and Rennes, is subject to consultation with social partners and regulatory approvals, with closure expected in 2026. Quarkslab, already an Airbus supplier and partner since 2020, is backed by Tikehau Capital and provides solutions to protect organisations from cyber attacks.
François Lombard, head of the connected intelligence business unit at Airbus Defence and Space, stated, 'Quarkslab's deep expertise and team are expected to join the fast-growing cyber activities within Airbus Defence and Space and to reinforce a resilient, sovereign cyber player in France and across Europe.' He added that this acquisition will enhance Airbus's ability to build the digital shield needed to keep home nations and allies ahead in cyber-security.
Previous Acquisition and Strategic Goals
This announcement follows the acquisition of Ultra Cyber in March, a UK-based firm with over 200 employees at a cyber centre of excellence in Maidenhead. Mike Schoellhorn, chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space, noted that this move underscores Airbus's long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market, aiming to build resilient, sovereign infrastructure for cyber defence.
Airbus, which has UK bases in Filton near Bristol and Broughton in North Wales, reported a record financial performance in February amid rising demand for commercial aircraft. Its global workforce also increased by five per cent to 165,294 during the period.
Implications for the Aerospace and Defence Sectors
The back-to-back acquisitions highlight Airbus's aggressive expansion into the cyber security sector, positioning itself as a key player in European defence. By integrating Quarkslab and Ultra Cyber, Airbus aims to strengthen its capabilities in protecting critical data and assets from cyber threats, aligning with broader trends in digital security and sovereign defence initiatives.
This strategic move not only enhances Airbus's competitive edge but also supports job growth and innovation in the cyber security field, contributing to the overall resilience of European infrastructure against evolving cyber risks.
