Airbus is acquiring French cybersecurity company Quarkslab. Details of Europe’s cybersecurity strategy, QShield technology, and the 2026 completion target are in the news story.
Aiming to strengthen cybersecurity capacity in Europe, Airbus has announced its second major acquisition in its defence and space division.
European aerospace and defence giant Airbus has accelerated its strategic growth in cybersecurity by announcing that it has reached an agreement to acquire the French-based company Quarkslab.
The agreement is planned to be completed in 2026 following consultations with employee representatives and the necessary regulatory approvals. The process is aligned with Airbus’s security-focused growth strategy across France and Europe.
With this move, the company aims to strengthen its goal of becoming an “independent and trusted European cyber actor,” particularly in the fields of defence and public security.
Who is Quarkslab?
Founded in 2011, Quarkslab operates mainly from Paris and Rennes with approximately 100 employees. Since 2020, the company has been supported by investor Tikehau Capital.
Quarkslab develops cybersecurity solutions against cyberattacks for government institutions and the private sector. Its flagship product, QShield, provides software, data, and code security against AI-supported threats. It offers solutions especially developed against reverse engineering risks in the defence and aviation sectors.
Airbus Expands European Cybersecurity Network
Airbus Defence and Space has increased its cybersecurity investments across Europe in recent years. The company previously acquired Germany-based Infodas and also initiated an acquisition process for Ultra Cyber Ltd. in the United Kingdom.
With this latest deal, Airbus aims to create an integrated cybersecurity network across Europe through its operations in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Finland.
Strategic Messages from the Companies
François Lombard, Head of Connected Intelligence at Airbus Defence and Space, stated that Quarkslab’s expertise will strengthen Airbus’s cyber activities and contribute to Europe’s digital security capacity.
Fred Raynal, CEO and founder of Quarkslab, described this collaboration—seen as a return to Airbus—as a strategic opportunity at a time when Europe needs stronger cyber players.
Europe’s “Digital Shield” Strategy Strengthens
Airbus’s Quarkslab move will be part of Europe’s strategy to reduce external dependence in defence and critical infrastructure. Increasing AI-based cyber threats are pushing defence industry companies to build strong ecosystems in hardware, software, and data security as well.
Airbus’s latest steps highlight that Europe is accelerating its goal of building “sovereign cyber capability,” and that competition in the defence industry is now intensifying on the digital front as well.
