Airbus to acquire cybersecurity firm Ultra Cyber
Airbus has agreed to buy cybersecurity specialist Ultra Cyber from Cobham Ultra, a portfolio company of private equity firm Advent International.
The French-German aircraft manufacturer said the acquisition “reinforces” its position as a “trusted, sovereign partner” for the UK. The deal follows the purchase of German cybersecurity firm Infodas in September 2024.
“This acquisition testifies to our long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “By joining our expertise with Ultra Cyber’s unique capabilities, we are acting as a long-term, trusted partner to the UK Ministry of Defence. We are building the resilient, sovereign infrastructure required to help keep the UK and its allies ahead in the cyber domain.”
The acquisition will help Airbus improve its end-to-end cyber portfolio, complementing the existing UK sovereign capabilities of its cyber business based in Newport, Wales. Ultra Cyber has more than 200 employees largely based in its cyber centre in Maidenhead.
Juliette Wilcox, president of Ultra I&C UK Cyber, said: “This agreement marks an exciting next chapter for Ultra Cyber and a major step forward for the UK’s sovereign cyber capability. Together, we will combine complementary strengths to help accelerate innovation, deepen R&D and expand delivery of advanced cyber solutions in the UK and internationally.”
Airbus said the investment is a cornerstone of its strategy to become a leading European multi-sovereign cyber player and a “key pillar of a European digital shield”. The acquisition also includes a specialised airborne datalinks capability that complements Airbus’ military aircraft portfolio.
This deal follows the successful acquisition of Infodas in 2024, which strengthened Airbus’ cybersecurity leadership in Germany and the EU for cross-domain solutions. Today, Airbus employs staff focused on cyber security across the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Finland.
Closing of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected in the second half of 2026. No financial details have been disclosed.
