Airbus Defence & Space

Corporate brand

Airbus Defence & Space is Airbus’s military and space division, supplying aircraft, satellites, secure communications, intelligence systems, cyber capabilities and integrated defence architectures to governments and institutional customers.

Last updated October 16, 2026

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Overview

Airbus Defence & Space is the military and space systems division of Airbus. It was created in January 2014 as part of the reorganisation of the former European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, or EADS. The new division combined three major businesses: Airbus Military, which focused on military transport and mission aircraft; Astrium, the group’s space business; and Cassidian, which covered defence electronics, military aircraft systems, missiles, security and command-and-control activities. The creation of the division was intended to remove overlapping structures, improve competitiveness and establish a more integrated European defence and space business. The division is headquartered in Taufkirchen near Munich, Germany, but operates through major industrial and engineering sites across Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and other countries. It serves national armed forces, defence ministries, intelligence agencies, civil-security organisations, international institutions, commercial satellite operators and other government customers. Because many of its programmes are multinational, Airbus Defence & Space usually operates through industrial consortia, government-to-government arrangements and long-term support contracts rather than through a single-country business model. Its activities are organised around three principal business lines. Air Power develops, manufactures, integrates and supports military aircraft and related systems. Its portfolio includes the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft, the A400M airlifter, the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport, the C295 tactical transport and mission aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, training and mission-support solutions, and future programmes such as Eurodrone and the Future Combat Air System. Airbus also owns a 37.5 percent interest in MBDA, the European missile manufacturer, alongside BAE Systems and Leonardo. Space Systems develops spacecraft, satellite platforms, payloads, space equipment, ground systems and space-based services. Its work covers telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, scientific missions, exploration, military communications and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Defence-related programmes include military satellite communications systems such as Skynet, SATCOMBw and Syracuse-related capabilities, optical and radar Earth-observation systems such as CSO and SARah, and the CERES signals-intelligence satellite system. Airbus also contributes to European and international space programmes, including launchers, the European Service Module for NASA’s Orion spacecraft and other institutional missions. Connected Intelligence combines secure communications, defence information systems, public safety and security, cyber protection, data processing, intelligence services and multi-domain command-and-control technologies. Airbus promotes this work through concepts such as the Multi-Domain Combat Cloud, which is intended to connect forces and sensors across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. The objective is to give military and government users faster access to trusted information while improving interoperability, resilience and operational sovereignty. The brand’s strategic positioning is strongly European. It presents itself as an industrial partner for European strategic autonomy, sovereign defence capabilities and secure access to space. Its largest programmes are generally collaborative and politically significant, which gives the division access to substantial institutional markets but also exposes it to complex governance, export-control requirements, shifting national priorities and lengthy development cycles. Airbus Defence & Space has faced recurring programme and cost pressures, particularly in parts of its space business and on the A400M programme. In October 2024 it announced a restructuring intended to simplify the organisation and reduce the divisional workforce by up to 2,500 positions by mid-2026. Airbus Defence & Space remains an active global supplier with a broad portfolio spanning mature aircraft programmes, satellite systems, digital defence, cyber resilience and next-generation combat architectures. Its long-term growth priorities include upgrading existing aircraft, expanding secure connectivity, increasing the use of autonomous and uncrewed systems, strengthening space-based intelligence and supporting major European programmes such as FCAS and Eurodrone.

History

Airbus Defence & Space emerged from the long European effort to integrate aerospace, military-aircraft and space industries. Its immediate institutional predecessor was EADS, created in 2000 through the combination of German, French and Spanish aerospace interests. EADS gradually assembled a portfolio that included Airbus, military-aircraft activities, Astrium and Cassidian. Astrium inherited major European space capabilities in satellites, launchers and spacecraft, while Cassidian concentrated on defence electronics, secure communications, military systems and security technologies. Airbus Military developed and marketed military transport and mission aircraft, including the A400M, C295 and tanker derivatives. The division was conceived in 2013 and became operational in January 2014. The reorganisation accompanied the renaming of EADS as Airbus Group and was intended to consolidate defence and space activities that had previously been spread across separate business units. Airbus stated that the integration would reduce duplicated structures, create operational synergies, focus research and development and improve competitiveness. The new division initially grouped Space, Military Aircraft, Missiles and related services as its core businesses. Its first chief executive was Bernhard Gerwert. The creation of Airbus Defence & Space did not erase the national industrial structures behind its programmes. Instead, it created a common management and commercial framework for a multinational network of factories, engineering centres, subsidiaries and joint ventures. The division continued to participate in programmes such as Eurofighter, A400M, Ariane-related space activities and missile production through MBDA. Its principal sites remained distributed across Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom, reflecting both the political basis of European aerospace cooperation and the requirement to maintain national industrial capabilities. During the mid-2010s, Airbus Defence & Space pursued portfolio rationalisation and efficiency improvements. The division faced a changing defence market, pressure on government budgets, export-control constraints and the technical risks associated with large multinational programmes. Its portfolio nevertheless remained broad, combining mature aircraft programmes with satellite manufacturing, military communications, Earth observation, cyber security and intelligence services. Dirk Hoke became chief executive in 2016 and led the division during a period in which Airbus sought to improve programme execution and expand digital and international activities. The division’s space activities expanded beyond traditional spacecraft manufacturing into secure connectivity, imagery, data processing and end-to-end mission services. Airbus supplied optical and radar Earth-observation capabilities, military communications systems and intelligence solutions. It also remained involved in European institutional programmes and international exploration, including the European Service Module for NASA’s Orion spacecraft. In defence, Airbus continued to support the Eurofighter, A400M, A330 MRTT and C295 while developing future capabilities involving uncrewed systems, combat-cloud networking and next-generation air power. Michael Schoellhorn became chief executive in 2022. Under his leadership, Airbus Defence & Space increasingly presented itself as a provider of integrated, information-driven defence solutions rather than solely as an aircraft and satellite manufacturer. The Connected Intelligence business brought together cyber, secure communications, defence digital, intelligence and public-safety activities. Concepts such as the Multi-Domain Combat Cloud reflected the division’s effort to connect sensors, platforms and decision-makers across multiple operational domains. The business also encountered substantial operational and financial challenges. The A400M programme experienced a long history of development delays, technical difficulties and cost pressure, while the space market became more competitive and parts of the Space Systems segment recorded significant charges. In October 2024 Airbus announced a plan to simplify the division, give its three principal business lines clearer end-to-end accountability and reduce the workforce by up to 2,500 positions by mid-2026. The announcement described the measures as a response to a difficult and rapidly changing business environment, especially in space. By the mid-2020s, Airbus Defence & Space remained central to European defence-industrial policy. Its programmes supported national sovereignty in military aviation, secure satellite communications, Earth observation and intelligence. The division was also a major participant in future European programmes, including the Future Combat Air System, Eurodrone and new digital architectures for multi-domain operations. Its development path continued to combine large government-funded platforms with software, cyber resilience, data services and space-enabled information superiority.

2026
New French A400M ISR development begins
[10]New ISR capabilities for France’s A400Mairbus.com
Airbus signs an OCCAR contract to develop a Parallel Mission System that will add intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to French A400M aircraft.
2024
Division announces workforce and organisational restructuring
[4]Airbus Defence and Space adapts to challenging business environmentairbus.com
Airbus announces a plan to simplify Airbus Defence & Space and reduce its workforce by up to 2,500 positions by mid-2026.
2024
A400M support and capability framework updated
[9]Airbus and OCCAR sign A400M contractual framework updateairbus.com
Airbus and OCCAR agree updated global support and upgrade arrangements for the A400M fleet.
2022
Michael Schoellhorn becomes chief executive
[11]Executive and Operational Committeesairbus.com
Michael Schoellhorn takes over leadership of the division and becomes responsible for its defence, space and digital portfolio.
2022
Multi-Domain Combat Cloud presented as a strategic architecture
[8]Multi-Domain Combat Cloudairbus.com
Airbus promotes a cyber-resilient network architecture connecting air, land, sea, space and cyber capabilities under a multi-domain operating concept.
2016
Dirk Hoke becomes chief executive
[14]Dirk Hoke becomes chief executiveairbus.com
Dirk Hoke succeeds Bernhard Gerwert as chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space.
2014
Airbus Defence and Space becomes operational
[3]Airbus Group Annual Review 2014airbus.com
The new division begins operations as part of the transition from EADS to Airbus Group, combining military aircraft, space and defence-electronics activities.
2013
Defence and space consolidation announced
[2]Enhancing Competitiveness: EADS Outlines Plan for Defence and Space Restructuringairbus.com
EADS announces the consolidation of Airbus Military, Astrium and Cassidian into a new Airbus Defence and Space division.
2006
EADS acquires BAE Systems’ share in Airbus
[13]EADS acquires BAE Systems’ share in Astriumairbus.com
EADS becomes the sole shareholder of Airbus, consolidating the group’s principal aerospace platform before later restructuring its defence and space businesses.
2003
EADS acquires BAE Systems’ share in Astrium
[13]EADS acquires BAE Systems’ share in Astriumairbus.com
EADS takes full control of Astrium, strengthening the group’s satellite, launcher and space-systems capabilities.
2000
EADS is established
[12]EADS is establishedairbus.com
European aerospace interests combine to form EADS, the corporate predecessor of Airbus Group and the organisational parent from which Airbus Defence & Space would later be created.

Products and positioning

A European systems integrator and strategic industrial partner for defence, military aviation, secure connectivity, intelligence and space systems. The division combines sovereign national capabilities with multinational programmes and positions itself around European defence autonomy, operational information superiority and access to space.

Combat aircraft · 1994
Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multinational, twin-engine combat aircraft developed by Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo. Airbus Defence & Space is responsible for major industrial workshare, particularly in Germany and Spain, and supports production, upgrades and lifecycle services. The aircraft is used for air defence, air superiority, strike and multirole missions by several European and international customers.
Military transport aircraft · 2003
A400M Atlas
The A400M is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed to combine strategic range with tactical airlift capability. It can transport troops, vehicles, outsized cargo and humanitarian loads, and can be configured for air-to-air refuelling, medical evacuation and other missions. Airbus continues to develop upgrades, including improved communications, landing support and new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions.
Tanker and transport aircraft · 2007
A330 MRTT
The A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport is a military derivative of the A330 wide-body aircraft. It combines aerial refuelling with strategic transport, passenger movement and medical evacuation. Airbus Defence & Space converts aircraft, integrates mission systems and provides support for operators including multinational fleet organisations.
Tactical transport and mission aircraft · 2001
C295
The C295 is a medium tactical transport aircraft adaptable to troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence collection, surveillance and reconnaissance, medical evacuation, airborne warning and firefighting. Its Fully Integrated Tactical System connects sensors and mission equipment across different configurations.
Unmanned aerial system · 2015
Eurodrone
Eurodrone is a European medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial system being developed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and other missions. Airbus Defence & Space is the lead industrial partner in the multinational programme, which is intended to strengthen European sovereignty in remotely piloted military aviation.
Future combat-air system · 2017
Future Combat Air System
The Future Combat Air System is a system-of-systems programme centred on a Next Generation Weapon System. It is intended to combine crewed next-generation fighters, uncrewed Remote Carriers, a Combat Cloud and supporting assets across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. Airbus participates with partners in Germany, France and Spain.
Secure satellite communications
Military satellite communications
Airbus Defence & Space develops and supports secure military communications capabilities for national and multinational users. The portfolio includes satellite payloads, terminals, ground infrastructure, network services and operational support associated with programmes such as Skynet, SATCOMBw, Syracuse-related systems and SpainSat NG.
Earth observation and intelligence
Military Earth-observation systems
The division supplies optical and radar satellite systems and associated ground services for defence and intelligence users. Representative programmes include France’s CSO optical constellation, Germany’s SARah radar system and the CERES signals-intelligence constellation. These systems support reconnaissance, mission planning, monitoring and all-weather situational awareness.
Space exploration system · 2014
European Service Module
The European Service Module provides propulsion, power, thermal control, air, water and other core services for NASA’s Orion crewed spacecraft. Airbus Defence & Space leads European industrial development and production of the module for the Artemis lunar-exploration programme.
Defence digital and command-and-control system · 2022
Multi-Domain Combat Cloud
The Multi-Domain Combat Cloud is Airbus’s concept and technology architecture for secure, decentralised and cyber-resilient information exchange across air, land, sea, space and cyber operations. It is designed to combine sensor data, support artificial-intelligence-assisted decision-making and connect crewed and uncrewed assets while preserving human control.

Controversies

2024
Space Systems financial charges and restructuring
Airbus stated that significant financial charges in the Space Systems segment and a difficult business environment contributed to a restructuring plan involving organisational changes and up to 2,500 potential job reductions. The announcement reflected business and programme difficulties, not a substantiated misconduct finding.
Source
2016
A400M programme delays, technical problems and cost pressure
The A400M programme experienced prolonged development delays, technical difficulties, contractual disputes and financial pressure. These problems affected Airbus’s defence business and led to repeated scrutiny from customer governments and public auditors. The issue is best characterised as a major programme-management and execution controversy rather than a proven criminal scandal involving Airbus Defence & Space as a division.
Source

2026ILA 2026 sovereign defence and space showcase
Germany · Europe · International defence markets
At ILA 2026, Airbus showcased the Eurofighter, SatcomBw, Pléiades Neo, radar and optical space platforms, secure connectivity and other defence and space systems.
Outcome. The event linked Airbus’s aircraft, satellite, connectivity and intelligence portfolio to European defence readiness and sovereign capability.
Source
2022Defence Matters and Multi-Domain Combat Cloud
Europe · NATO markets · International defence markets
Airbus promoted the Defence Matters platform and the Multi-Domain Combat Cloud concept to position the division as a provider of connected, cyber-resilient and information-led defence systems rather than only individual aircraft or satellites.
Outcome. The campaign supported Airbus’s broader positioning around multi-domain operations, digital sovereignty and future combat systems.
Source
2021DSEI defence and space showcase
United Kingdom · Europe · International defence markets
Airbus used the DSEI exhibition to showcase the A400M, Skynet 6A military communications satellite, military aircraft, space systems and future helicopter and defence capabilities.
Outcome. The campaign reinforced Airbus’s role as a broad defence and space systems supplier to European and international customers.
Source

Brand decisions

2026
Develop a Parallel Mission System for French A400M aircraftProduct launch
Background
France sought to expand the A400M beyond transport and refuelling into a broader airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and command role.
Action taken
Airbus signed an OCCAR contract to integrate a new mission system, additional sensors, tactical situational-awareness consoles and communications capabilities into French A400M aircraft.
Aftermath
The programme is intended to provide France with a more flexible airborne ISR and command-and-control platform and may support future A400M mission extensions.
Source
2024
Restructure Airbus Defence and SpaceStrategy
Background
Airbus cited a complex and changing business environment, supply-chain disruption, cost pressure and significant charges in Space Systems.
Action taken
The division announced a leaner organisation, clearer end-to-end responsibility for Air Power, Space Systems and Connected Intelligence, and a workforce reduction of up to 2,500 positions by mid-2026.
Aftermath
The restructuring was intended to improve speed, efficiency and competitiveness while preserving the division’s major defence and space programmes.
Potential workforce reduction. Up to 2,500 positions (Announced October 16, 2024; planned through mid-2026)
Source
2024
Upgrade the A400M support and capability baselineGeneration change
Background
A400M operators required improved support arrangements and additional capabilities to sustain the aircraft over its service life.
Action taken
Airbus and OCCAR agreed updated Global Support Services and Block Upgrade arrangements covering tactical information, satellite-based landing support, narrowband SATCOM and related improvements.
Aftermath
The agreement was intended to improve fleet availability, operational flexibility and the long-term value of the A400M for participating nations.
Source
2022
Build integrated multi-domain defence capabilitiesStrategy
Background
Military customers increasingly required secure information exchange, interoperability and coordinated operations across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains.
Action taken
Airbus expanded its Connected Intelligence activities and promoted the Multi-Domain Combat Cloud as an architecture for combining sensors, data, command systems and crewed and uncrewed platforms.
Aftermath
The strategy strengthened the division’s digital-defence positioning and linked its aircraft and space programmes to software, cyber and information-superiority services.
Source
2014
Refocus the division on core businessesStrategy
Background
Following the merger of Airbus Military, Astrium and Cassidian, Airbus Defence and Space reviewed its portfolio and operating model.
Action taken
The division identified Space, including launchers and satellites, Military Aircraft, Missiles and related services as its core activities and began streamlining its portfolio.
Aftermath
The move created a clearer strategic structure but left the division exposed to the complexity and long development cycles of major multinational programmes.
Source
2013
Consolidate EADS defence and space businessesStrategy
Background
EADS operated defence and space activities through separate businesses including Airbus Military, Astrium and Cassidian. The group sought to reduce duplication, improve competitiveness and focus research and development.
Action taken
EADS announced the creation of a single Airbus Defence and Space division and a broader transition to the Airbus Group identity.
Aftermath
The division became operational in 2014 and established a single management structure for military aircraft, space and defence systems.
Source

Recent events

2026
Airbus and Alta Ares sign counter-drone partnership[19]Airbus and Alta Ares sign counter-drone partnershipairbus.com
M&A · Product launch
Airbus Defence and Space and Alta Ares signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on European counter-drone and artificial-intelligence-enabled air-defence solutions.
2026
France launches development of new A400M ISR capabilities[10]New ISR capabilities for France’s A400Mairbus.com
Product generation · Product launch
Airbus signed an OCCAR contract to develop a Parallel Mission System for French A400M aircraft, adding intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions, additional sensors, communications and mission-management capabilities.
2024
Airbus Defence and Space announces organisational restructuring[4]Airbus Defence and Space adapts to challenging business environmentairbus.com
strategy · Leadership change
The division announced plans to simplify its organisation, establish end-to-end accountability for Air Power, Space Systems and Connected Intelligence, and reduce its workforce by up to 2,500 positions by mid-2026.
2024
Airbus and OCCAR update the A400M contractual framework[9]Airbus and OCCAR sign A400M contractual framework updateairbus.com
Product generation · Other
The updated framework covered global support services and capability upgrades intended to improve the A400M’s operational usefulness, including tactical information, satellite-based landing and narrowband satellite communications.
2022
Airbus promotes Michael Schoellhorn as Defence and Space CEO[20]Airbus promotes Michael Schoellhorn as Defence and Space CEOairbus.com
Leadership change
Michael Schoellhorn was appointed chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space, succeeding Dirk Hoke.
2022
Airbus expands digital defence and multi-domain capabilities[15]Defence Matters and Multi-Domain Combat Cloudairbus.com
Product launch · strategy
Airbus described its Multi-Domain Combat Cloud, cyber-defence systems and secure communications as part of an integrated architecture linking air, land, sea, space and cyber operations.
2016
Airbus appoints Dirk Hoke to lead Defence and Space[14]Dirk Hoke becomes chief executiveairbus.com
Leadership change
Dirk Hoke succeeded Bernhard Gerwert as chief executive of Airbus Defence and Space.
2015
Airbus Defence and Space reports strong order intake in 2014[3]Airbus Group Annual Review 2014airbus.com
Other
The division’s 2014 review described strong demand for satellites, launchers and light and medium transport aircraft while the organisation implemented its restructuring programme.
2014
Airbus Defence and Space becomes operational[3]Airbus Group Annual Review 2014airbus.com
strategy · Other
The new division became operational after the integration of the former EADS defence and space businesses. Airbus announced a focus on space, military aircraft, missiles and related services.
2013
EADS announces consolidation of defence and space activities[2]Enhancing Competitiveness: EADS Outlines Plan for Defence and Space Restructuringairbus.com
strategy · Other
EADS announced that Airbus Military, Astrium and Cassidian would be consolidated into a new Airbus Defence and Space division as part of a broader group reorganisation and competitiveness programme.

Sources21 sources

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