Airbus Defence and Space agreed on 21 April to acquire Quarkslab, a Paris-based cybersecurity company that protects software used in defence and aerospace against reverse engineering and AI-driven threats.
Why Airbus SE (Airbus Defence and Space) is buying Quarkslab
Airbus said the deal reinforces its position as a trusted, sovereign partner for French authorities and expands its presence in the European cybersecurity market. Quarkslab was already an Airbus supplier and partner.
“Quarkslab's deep expertise and team are expected to join the fast-growing cyber activities within Airbus Defence and Space”
Deal terms and financing
Financial terms were not disclosed. Quarkslab had been backed by Tikehau Capital since 2020, and Tikehau Investment Management was the seller.
Regulatory approvals and timing
Closing required consultation with employee representatives and customary regulatory approvals. Airbus announced on 1 October 2026 that it had completed the acquisition.
Market context
The deal followed Airbus's 2024 purchase of Infodas in Germany and its March 2026 agreement to buy Ultra Cyber in the UK. Airbus Defence and Space now has cyber operations in France, the UK, Germany, Spain and Finland. Quarkslab was founded in 2011 by its chief executive, Fred Raynal.
