Airbus Expands European Cyber Defence With Quarkslab Acquisition

Integrated cyber activities in Europe Airbus Expands European Cyber Defence Business With Quarkslab Acquisition

2026-10-03 From Detlev Karg 1 min Reading Time

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Airbus Defence and Space has completed the acquisition of French cybersecurity specialist Quarkslab, further expanding a European cyber defence business that now stretches across five countries.

Airbus is expanding its European cybersecurity activities through a series of acquisitions(Picture: / CC0) — Airbus is expanding its European cybersecurity activities through a series of acquisitions
(Picture: / CC0)

Founded in 2011, Paris- and Rennes-based Quarkslab employs around 100 people and specialises in protecting software, critical assets and data against sophisticated cyberattacks. Its QShield platform is designed to protect software and code against both conventional and AI-enabled threats and to prevent attackers from reverse-engineering edge components – capabilities particularly relevant to the aerospace and defence sectors. Airbus says Quarkslab will be integrated into the fast-growing cybersecurity activities of its Defence and Space division. The company was already an Airbus supplier and partner.

Broad strategy in Europe

The acquisition forms part of a broader expansion of Airbus’ sovereign European cybersecurity capabilities. In 2024, the group acquired German cyber and IT security specialist Infodas, followed by UK-based Ultra Cyber in March 2026. Airbus Defence and Space now operates cybersecurity activities across France, Germany, the UK, Spain and Finland. The series of acquisitions indicates a broader strategic shift. As military platforms become increasingly software-defined and interconnected, cybersecurity is becoming an integral part of defence systems rather than a separate IT service. Protection is required not only for military networks and data centres but increasingly at the tactical edge – including aircraft, satellites, unmanned systems and command-and-control architectures.

Airbus as an ideal government partner

For Airbus, the expansion also strengthens its position in a market where European governments are increasingly seeking sovereign alternatives for critical digital infrastructure. The group is effectively combining its traditional aerospace, space and defence systems business with a growing European cyber-security portfolio, positioning digital protection as another layer of future defence capability.

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