Airbus is strengthening its position in the cybersecurity sector with the planned acquisition of Ultra Cyber Ltd from Cobham Ultra, a portfolio company of Advent, in a move that reinforces its strategic footprint in both the UK and the wider European defence ecosystem.
The agreement will enhance Airbus’ end-to-end cyber capabilities, building on its existing sovereign cyber operations in Newport, Wales, and expanding its presence across the UK’s digital security landscape.
Ultra Cyber brings more than 200 employees, primarily based at its advanced cyber centre of excellence in Maidenhead. The integration of this capability into Airbus Defence and Space’s Connected Intelligence business unit is expected to create a scaled UK sovereign cyber champion, further embedding Airbus as a trusted partner for the UK and its allied nations.
This acquisition is a key component of Airbus’ broader strategy to develop into a leading multi-sovereign cybersecurity player in Europe, supporting the concept of a “European digital shield”. The goal is to ensure that European nations, along with Five Eyes and NATO partners, have access to trusted, high-performance cyber technologies backed by sovereign capabilities.
The move follows Airbus’ acquisition of infodas in 2024, which strengthened its cybersecurity presence in Germany and the European Union, particularly in cross-domain security solutions. Today, Airbus operates a truly pan-European cyber network spanning the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Finland.
In addition to strengthening ground-based cyber operations, the acquisition also brings specialised airborne datalink capabilities. This will complement Airbus’ military aircraft portfolio and enhance its ability to secure sensitive data across both airborne and ground environments.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said the acquisition reflects Airbus’ long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market. He highlighted that combining Airbus’ expertise with Ultra Cyber’s capabilities will support the development of resilient sovereign infrastructure and strengthen the UK’s position in the cyber domain.
From Advent’s perspective, the deal also marks the continuation of a strategic investment cycle. Shonnel Malani, Managing Partner at Advent, noted that investments in Ultra Cyber have already contributed to protecting the UK and its allies from electronic warfare threats during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.
Juliette Wilcox, President of Ultra I&C UK Cyber, described the agreement as a major step forward for the UK’s sovereign cyber capabilities, emphasising that the combined strengths of both organisations will accelerate innovation, deepen research and development, and expand the delivery of advanced cyber solutions both domestically and internationally.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
