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Airbus Defence and Space

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Airbus Defence and Space
Company typeDivision
IndustryAerospace, defense, space
PredecessorEuropean Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS)
Founded2014; 12 years ago (2014)
Headquarters
Taufkirchen
,
Germany
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Michael Schoellhorn (CEO)
ProductsMilitary aircraft, space systems, missiles, intelligence services, unmanned aerial systems
ParentAirbus SE

Airbus Defence and Space represents a sector within Airbus SE, established in 2014 through the reorganization of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). This division consolidates the former entities of Airbus Military, Astrium, and other units. By 2016, it accounted for 21% of Airbus's total revenue and holds the position as the globe’s second-largest company in the space industry.

EADS inception and growth (1997–2008)

In 1995, German aerospace corporation DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (DASA) and British Aerospace aimed to form a multinational aerospace and defense enterprise, with plans to incorporate the French government-owned Aérospatiale following its privatization. However, this plan was disrupted when British Aerospace chose to acquire domestic competitor Marconi Electronic Systems, leading to the creation of BAE Systems in 1999.

In June 1999, DASA combined forces with Spanish aircraft manufacturer CASA. Later that year, DASA merged with Aérospatiale, which had previously united with Matra to establish Aérospatiale-Matra, resulting in the formation of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). Officially launched on 10 July 2000, EADS became the world’s second-largest aerospace firm after Boeing and ranked second among European defense contractors behind BAE Systems. By 2001, Airbus Industries evolved from a consortium into a formal joint-stock corporation.

EADS acquired BAE's 25% share in Astrium in June 2003, gaining full ownership and committing additional resources for its reorganization. Astrium was segmented into divisions focusing on Satellites, Space Transportation, and Services.

On 1 July 2003, EADS Defence and Security Systems was created by merging missile systems (LFK), defense electronics, military aircraft, and telecommunications operations under CEO Tom Enders.

Airbus Defence and Space’s headquarters are located in Taufkirchen, Germany,[1] with Michael Schoellhorn serving as CEO.[2] The company is organized into three primary program sectors: Military Air Systems (MiAS), Connected Intelligence (CI), and Space Systems.

Airbus Military

The origin entity, Airbus Military Company SAS, was founded in January 1999 to oversee the Airbus A400M initiative, taking over from the Euroflag consortium. In May 2003, it was restructured into Airbus Military Sociedad Limitada (AMSL) prior to commencing production contracts. The Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD), part of EADS and based in Madrid, Spain, was responsible for designing, manufacturing, and marketing light and medium transport aircraft under EADS-CASA. Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA) joined EADS in 1999 and continued operating as EADS-CASA within Spain, with MTAD managing light-to-medium transport aircraft development and sales across EADS.

On 16 December 2008, EADS declared the consolidation of MTAD and AMSL into a single business unit under Airbus SAS. Airbus Military officially came into existence in April 2009 through this merger. The division produced various tanker, transport, and mission aircraft including the Airbus A330 MRTT, Airbus A400M, CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA/IPTN CN-235, and EADS CASA C-295. After this integration, it also assumed responsibility for manufacturing the Eurofighter Typhoon, which had been managed by Cassidian. Concurrently, Eurocopter was rebranded as Airbus Helicopters.

Astrium

Astrium originated in 2000 through the consolidation of Matra Marconi Space—which itself was a merger of French and British companies—with the space segment of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG and Computadores Redes e Ingeniería SA. Initially established as a joint venture between EADS and BAE Systems, BAE divested its 25% share to EADS on 16 June 2003, resulting in EADS becoming the sole proprietor. Subsequently, Astrium was rebranded as EADS Astrium Satellites and became a fundamental component of EADS Astrium, which also encompassed EADS Astrium Space Transportation and EADS Astrium Services.

During this reorganization, the former Astrium Space Infrastructure combined with EADS Launchers & Vehicles to create EADS SPACE Transportation (later renamed EADS Astrium Space Transportation). The unit Paradigm Secure Communications, developed by Astrium for the UK Ministry of Defence under the Skynet 5 program, became a key part of EADS SPACE Services. CASA Espacio integrated into EADS Astrium on 1 January 2004, while EADS Astrium assumed full ownership of Infoterra Ltd. On 1 July 2006, the French subsidiary EADS Astrium SAS merged with other French EADS Space entities to streamline operations.

Cassidian

EADS Defence & Security Systems was created on 1 July 2003 by uniting missile systems (LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH), defence electronics, military aircraft manufacturing, and telecommunications divisions within EADS. The company was rebranded as Cassidian on 17 September 2010 to emphasize its commitment to global security and protection. Cassidian was structured into several divisions: Missiles; Defence Electronics (covering sensors, electronics, and mission avionics); Cassidian Air Systems (responsible for military aircraft production and maintenance); Defence & Communication Systems; and Services. In 2012, Cassidian Cybersecurity GmbH was established in Ottobrunn.

Post merger (2013–present)

In 2013, Airbus Defence and Space was created by merging the Astrium, Cassidian, and Airbus Military divisions under the newly reorganized EADS, which was renamed Airbus. From 1 January 2014 onwards, EADS transitioned into Airbus, structured around three main subsidiaries: Airbus Defence and Space, Airbus, and Airbus Helicopters.

On 16 September 2014, Airbus Defence and Space shifted its focus towards core sectors: Space (including Launchers & Satellites), Military Aircraft, Missiles and associated Systems, along with Services. Non-core segments such as commercial and para-public communications—including Professional Mobile Radio and commercial satellite communications—were divested. This involved selling subsidiaries like Fairchild Communications, Rostock System-Technik, AVdef, ESG, and Atlas Elektronik.

On 18 March 2016, Airbus agreed to transfer its Defence Electronics division located in Ulm to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), a global investment firm with interests including Hospital Corporation of America and NXP Semiconductors. Effective from 1 January 2017, Airbus consolidated its branding under "Airbus," with Airbus Defence and Space operating as one of its main divisions alongside Airbus and Airbus Helicopters.

In April 2022, Airbus Defence and Space enhanced its cybersecurity capabilities by acquiring German cryptography and communication systems company DSI Datensicherheit GmbH.

Organization

Airbus Defence and Space is structured into four primary divisions:

  • Military Aircraft: this segment concentrates on fighter jets, airlift platforms, aerial refuelling tankers, and airborne combat systems, encompassing global strike capabilities, mobility, reconnaissance, engagement systems, missile technology, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
  • Space Systems: this division handles space missions, missile defence initiatives, satellite technology, and networking services. It includes programs such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and Space Station projects. Its main focus areas cover earth observation, navigation systems, strategic missile and defence solutions, tactical and network systems, space intelligence gathering, and exploration efforts.
  • Connected Intelligence: delivers intelligence services tailored for government agencies by providing secure communication solutions for military and institutional clients. It also includes Airbus Cyber Security and Airbus DS Communications, which supports public safety operations in North America.
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Tankers and transport aircraft

Airbus Defence and Space manufactures military tankers and transport planes. The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is an aerial refuelling aircraft adapted from the civilian A330 model. Initial procurement came from forces including the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Saudi Air Force, United Arab Emirates Air Force, Royal Air Force (RAF), and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). A variant known as the EADS/Northrop Grumman KC-45 was submitted for consideration by the U.S. Air Force.

The Airbus A400M Atlas is a tactical military transport aircraft powered by four turboprop engines. It is designed to replace aging models such as the Transall C-160 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules by bridging the gap between the C-130 and Boeing C-17 in terms of size and payload capacity. The A400M can operate from unprepared runways and supports roles including aerial refuelling and medical evacuation when configured accordingly.

The CASA C-212 Aviocar is a medium-sized turboprop transport aircraft with STOL capabilities, produced by CASA in Spain for both civil and military applications. It has also been manufactured under license in Indonesia by Indonesian Aerospace (IAe). Originally marketed under the Aviocar name, this designation has been discontinued by EADS-CASA.

The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a twin-engine medium-range transport jointly developed by CASA and Indonesia’s IPTN for regional airline service and military transport duties. Its operational uses include maritime patrol, surveillance missions, and airlift support; Turkey remains its largest operator with a fleet of 59 aircraft.

The EADS CASA C-295 is a tactical twin-turboprop military transport plane currently produced by Airbus Defence and Space in Spain.

Fighter and attack aircraft

Airbus Defence and Space designs both fighter and attack aircraft. The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-equipped delta wing multirole fighter developed through a partnership involving Alenia Aermacchi, Airbus, and BAE Systems. The program is overseen by the joint venture Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH, founded in 1986, with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency serving as the primary customer.

Currently under development is the New Generation Fighter (NGF), which forms a key component of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project aimed at delivering next-generation air combat platforms. In parallel, Airbus is developing the Airbus Future Jet Trainer (AFJT) to act as a trainer for FCAS fighter/attack roles, targeting both Spanish defense requirements and broader European markets.

Unmanned aerial vehicles

Airbus Defence and Space produces a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed specifically for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target identification tasks.

The Tracker is a compact short-range mini UAS equipped with two electric motors that operate quietly. It is managed by a two-person team and offers fully automated deployment, adaptable to various settings such as urban landscapes and mountainous terrains.

Serving as a multi-sensor experimental platform, the Barracuda facilitates rapid reconnaissance, surveillance, target tracking, and battle damage evaluation, acting as a prototype for upcoming aerial technologies.

The European HALE RPAS represents a long-endurance drone system engineered to conduct extensive ground and maritime monitoring alongside focused reconnaissance missions.

Developed to replace Germany’s outdated Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft, the Euro Hawk, derived from the Northrop Grumman RQ-4B platform, incorporated an Airbus SIGINT suite featuring six sensor pods mounted on its wings. This system may be transferable to alternative platforms.

The DVF 2000 VT is a short-range mini UAS powered by a low-noise electric engine, intended for surveillance operations over both maritime and terrestrial environments.

Designed for tactical applications, the KZO employs a two-stroke gasoline engine to deliver high-speed reconnaissance capabilities with swift data transmission within command networks.

The Harfang is a medium-altitude long-endurance UAV that supports joint military forces by providing real-time intelligence for missions including surveillance and peacekeeping. It can be operated either manually or autonomously.

Tailored for tactical use during day or night, the ATLANTE UAV performs intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks in support of ground troops.

In March 2023, Airbus demonstrated successful autonomous in-flight guidance and control of a drone launched from an A310 MRTT tanker. This advancement targets enabling Autonomous Air-to-Air Refueling (A4R) and Autonomous Formation Flight to improve future collaborative operations involving both manned and unmanned systems.

At the 2024 ILA Berlin Air Show in June 2024, Airbus introduced the Airbus Wingman, an unmanned loyal wingman fighter drone engineered to accompany the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Experimental aircraft

Airbus Defence and Space manages the development of the Zephyr, a series of lightweight solar-powered UAVs initially developed in 2003 by British firm QinetiQ. Now integrated into Airbus’ High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) initiative, Zephyr is designed to provide prolonged surveillance and communication services for extended durations.

Ballistic missiles

In May 2016, Airbus partnered with Safran through their joint venture to modernize the M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile to the M51.3 standard for deployment within the French Navy.

Launch vehicles

The Ariane family of rockets represents a series of European expendable launch vehicles developed since 1973 through a cooperative effort involving France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Oversight is provided by the European Space Agency (ESA), with development handled by Airbus Defence and Space (previously known as Astrium). Arianespace, a subsidiary of CNES, is responsible for manufacturing, marketing, and operating these launchers. Launch operations are conducted at the Guiana Space Centre located in French Guiana. Significantly, Ariane 5 marked its 74th successful consecutive flight in October 2016.

International Space Station

The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), initially called the Ariane Transfer Vehicle, was an expendable automated cargo spacecraft developed by ESA to deliver supplies such as propellant, water, air, scientific payloads, and experiments to the International Space Station (ISS). Additionally, ATVs executed reboost maneuvers to maintain the ISS's orbital altitude.

ESA’s largest individual contribution to the ISS is the Columbus laboratory module. Designed and assembled by Airbus Defence and Space in Bremen, Germany, Columbus was transported to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard an Airbus Beluga aircraft. It was launched on 7 February 2008 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis during mission STS-122.

Space transportation

The Orion service module, built by ESA, serves as the main power and propulsion unit for NASA’s Orion spacecraft. Announced in January 2013, ESA was chosen to construct this service module for the Artemis 1 mission, utilizing technology derived from its ATV program. This module supports the crew capsule from launch until separation by providing thrust for orbital adjustments, attitude control, and abort scenarios. It also delivers life support resources such as water and oxygen, generates and stores electrical power, manages thermal regulation, and can transport unpressurized cargo along with scientific instruments.

Astronomy and cosmology missions

The Euclid spacecraft, developed in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, is an ESA-led mission aimed at probing dark energy and dark matter by measuring cosmic acceleration through galaxy redshift observations.

Launched in December 2015, LISA Pathfinder served as a technology demonstrator for ESA’s forthcoming gravitational wave observatory project, the Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA), planned for launch in 2034. Its scientific operations commenced in March 2016 and continued for six months.

ESA’s astrometry observatory Gaia is dedicated to constructing the most extensive and precise three-dimensional catalog of approximately one billion celestial bodies—including stars, planets, comets, asteroids, and quasars—thereby advancing knowledge of the Milky Way’s structure and evolution.

Solar observation missions

The Solar Orbiter (SolO), an initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA), was launched on 10 February 2020 using an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral AFS, Florida. This mission conducts in-depth investigations of the inner heliosphere and the emerging solar wind, with a particular emphasis on the Sun’s polar areas, which are difficult to observe from Earth. Following a highly elliptical orbit that brings it as close as approximately 60 solar radii (RS), equivalent to 0.284 astronomical units (AU) and inside Mercury’s closest orbital point, SolO delivers unparalleled perspectives of the Sun.

Planetary science missions

The ExoMars rover forms part of the collaborative ExoMars programme spearheaded by ESA and Roscosmos of Russia. This mission involves a Russian launch vehicle, an ESA-provided carrier module, and a Russian lander tasked with deploying the rover on Mars. Supporting this effort, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, launched in 2016, functions as a communication relay for the rover. The rover’s launch was planned for July 2020.

BepiColombo, a cooperative ESA-JAXA mission aimed at Mercury, was launched on 20 October 2018 aboard an Ariane 5. It comprises two spacecraft: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO). This mission investigates Mercury’s magnetic field, magnetosphere, internal composition, and surface characteristics. Initiated in 2007 under ESA’s Cosmic Vision programme, it seeks to deliver a thorough examination of the planet.

The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), developed by Airbus Defence and Space for ESA, is currently en route to explore Jupiter’s moons Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa—bodies believed to contain subsurface liquid water and potential conditions for life. Selected in 2012 for ESA’s Cosmic Vision L1 launch slot, JUICE is now in its cruise phase.

ESA’s inaugural Venus mission, Venus Express, launched in November 2005, began operations in April 2006 by entering a polar orbit around Venus. Equipped with seven scientific instruments, it concentrated on long-term atmospheric observations to improve knowledge of Venusian atmospheric processes.

Mars Express represents ESA’s first planetary exploration mission targeting Mars and has been continuously providing scientific data since its deployment.

The Rosetta mission, launched by ESA on 2 March 2004 along with its lander Philae, conducted comprehensive studies of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. During its voyage, Rosetta executed flybys of Mars as well as asteroids 21 Lutetia and 2867 Šteins, yielding significant insights into cometary composition and dynamics.

Earth observation satellites

Airbus Defence and Space stands as the leading global provider of Earth observation systems, having launched more than fifty satellites with an additional eighteen currently under development. Their principal satellite platforms include:

  • TerraSAR-X NG: An advanced iteration building upon the TerraSAR-X mission.
  • AstroBus-L: A platform supporting high-performance Earth observation satellites such as Pleiades Twin and SPOT.
  • Xpress: A cost-effective synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system designed for surveillance satellite constellations.
  • AstroBus-S: Satellites tailored for very-high-resolution (VHR) imaging applications.
  • AstroBus-XS: An upgraded variant of the widely used Myriade-based satellite family.
  • Oberon satellites: SAR-equipped satellites serving British military intelligence operations.

Among prominent satellite initiatives are Envisat—the largest civilian Earth observation satellite globally—and Earth Explorers missions including GOCE, GRACE, Swarm, EarthCARE; alongside the Sentinel series under Copernicus; as well as MetOp and MetOp-SG programs.

Telecommunication satellites

Airbus Defence and Space has delivered in excess of one hundred communications satellites. The Eurostar platform family caters to a diverse array of telecommunications applications in geostationary orbit (GEO). Since 1990, more than 70 Eurostar units have been commissioned, with upwards of 55 successfully deployed, collectively providing over 500 years of dependable operational experience by 2013. These Eurostar spacecraft support services including fixed and broadcast communications, mobile connectivity, broadband access, and secure communication networks.

Prominent programs in the telecommunications satellite sector encompass Alphabus, Eutelsat, Astra, Hispasat, Inmarsat, as well as the UK Ministry of Defence’s Skynet series.

Spaceplane

The Airbus Defence and Space Spaceplane represented a suborbital spaceplane concept developed by Airbus Defence and Space with the goal of transporting space tourists. A full-scale mockup was revealed in Paris, France on 13 June 2007 and is currently exhibited in the Concorde hall at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace. This initiative was Airbus’s inaugural venture into space tourism.

Rocket engines

Airbus Defence and Space produces commercial variants of proprietary rocket engines such as the HM7B, Aestus, Vinci, and Vulcain to meet various propulsion requirements for launch vehicles.

One Atlas

In October 2016, Airbus Defence and Space introduced One Atlas, a global satellite imagery basemap featuring high-resolution coverage of terrestrial surfaces. Available continuously via Google Drive, this dataset is updated annually. Primarily designed for defence and security purposes, One Atlas facilitates mapping, intelligence operations, and mission planning by delivering current data on locations, movements, hazard zones, and transport networks.

Starlab joint venture

On 9 January 2024, Airbus Defence and Space revealed the establishment of Starlab Space LLC, a partnership with Voyager Space dedicated to the design, construction, and management of the Starlab commercial space station.

Sites

Significant Airbus Defence and Space facilities across Europe include:

  • France: Elancourt, Vélizy, Les Mureaux, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Kourou (French Guiana)
  • Germany: Manching, Friedrichshafen, Ottobrunn/Taufkirchen, Bremen, Immenstaad am Bodensee
  • Spain: Getafe (Madrid), Sevilla, Albacete
  • United Kingdom: Newport, Portsmouth, Stevenage
  • Italy: Rome, Potenza
  • Netherlands: Leiden
  • South Africa: Irene (Gauteng)

In September 2022, Airbus Defence and Space announced the creation of a research center at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide, South Australia focused on satellite development for the Australian Defence Force.

See also

  • Boeing Defence, Space & Security
  • Lockheed Martin Space Systems
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Raytheon
  • Thales Alenia Space

References

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  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named eoc
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