Airbus has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ultra Cyber Ltd, a subsidiary of the Cobham Ultra group owned by Advent, in a move that significantly strengthens its cybersecurity capabilities across the UK and Europe. The acquisition positions Airbus as a sovereign cyber partner for the UK and its allies, while bolstering its presence within the broader European digital security landscape.
The addition of Ultra Cyber Ltd, with over 200 employees primarily located at its cutting-edge cyber centre of excellence in Maidenhead, enhances Airbus’ end-to-end cyber portfolio and complements its existing UK sovereign cyber capabilities based in Newport, Wales. The integration of Ultra Cyber into Airbus Defence and Space’s Connected Intelligence business unit creates a scalable UK sovereign cyber champion, consolidating Airbus’ position as a trusted technology partner for national security.
“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 move reinforces Airbus’ strategy to become a leading European multi-sovereign cyber player, underpinning a broader European digital shield. It ensures that nations across the continent, as well as Five Eyes and NATO partners, can access best-in-class technologies that are trusted and government-endorsed.
This acquisition follows Airbus’ successful purchase of Infodas in 2024, which strengthened its cybersecurity leadership in Germany and the EU, providing cross-domain solutions. Airbus now operates a pan-European cyber network with employees spanning the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Finland, delivering integrated digital security solutions across multiple sectors.
In addition to its cyber capabilities, Ultra Cyber brings a specialised airborne datalinks capability, complementing Airbus’ military aircraft portfolio. This integration enhances the company’s ability to protect sensitive data seamlessly across both ground and airborne environments, reinforcing operational security for defence applications.
Shonnel Malani, Managing Partner at Advent and Chair of the Board at Ultra Electronics, commented: “During a time of significant geopolitical tension, the investments made in Ultra Cyber under Advent’s ownership have supported efforts to protect the UK and its allies from electronic warfare and strengthened sovereign capabilities.”
Juliette Wilcox CMG, President of Ultra I&C UK Cyber, added: “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 accelerate innovation, deepen R&D, and expand delivery of advanced cyber solutions both domestically and internationally.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, paving the way for Airbus to further consolidate its role as a cornerstone of European and UK cyber resilience.
