In a statement released overnight, Airbus said it has entered into an agreement with Ultra Cyber owner Cobham Ultra group, owned by private equity firm Advent International.
The acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026 and will strengthen Airbus’ cyber security portfolio by expanding capabilities in the UK and Europe.
“This strategic move reinforces Airbus’ position as a trusted, sovereign partner for the UK and a key supplier to its allies, while strengthening its presence in the European cyber security landscape,” said Airbus.
“The acquisition allows Airbus to enhance its end-to-end cyber portfolio, complementing the existing UK sovereign capabilities of its cyber business based in Newport, Wales.”
Airbus said the acquisition will assist it in achieving its goal of becoming a “leading European multi-sovereign cyber player and a key pillar of a European digital shield.
“This approach helps ensure that nations across the continent, as well as Five Eyes and NATO partners, can rely on access to best-in-class technologies that are trusted and endorsed by the governments of the group’s home nations,” it said.
Based in Maidenhead in Berkshire, England, Ultra Cyber is a firm that specialises in secure communications, sovereign cyber security and airborne datalink technology.
The firm was originally part of Ultra Electronics, a former FTSE 250 company, but was bought by Cobham in 2021 for £2.6 billion (roughly now AU$5 billion). This was just a year after Cobham had been acquired by Advent.
“During what has been a time of major geopolitical tension and uncertainty, we are proud that the investments made in Ultra Cyber, under Advent’s ownership, have supported efforts to help protect the country and its allies from electronic warfare, and contributed to strengthening the UK’s sovereign capabilities,” said Ultra Electronics chair of the board and Advent managing partner Shonnel Malani.
Following the acquisition, Ultra Cyber’s 200-plus specialists, as well as its Maidenhead cyber centre, will be integrated into Airbus’ defence and space division.
“This acquisition testifies to our long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market,” said Airbus Defence and Space CEO Mike Schoellhorn.
“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.”
This is not Airbus’ first cyber acquisition, having purchased German cyber security firm infodas in 2024. The company said the infodas acquisition strengthened its cyber leadership in Germany and the EU.
“Today, Airbus operates a truly pan-European cyber activity with employees across the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Finland,” the company added.
