Airbus agrees to acquire Ultra Cyber Ltd from Cobham Ultra, a portfolio company of Advent, to bolster its sovereign cybersecurity capabilities in the UK and Europe.

Leadership emphasize the UK as a core home market and pledge long-term, trusted collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence and national security objectives.

Airbus Defence and Space CEO Mike Schoellhorn frames the deal as a commitment to the UK market and a means to help the UK MOD with resilient, sovereign cyber infrastructure for the UK and its allies.

The piece argues cybersecurity is the new frontline in aviation due to highly connected aircraft systems, vulnerability to flight system hacks, satellite interception, airport infrastructure attacks, and supply chain risks.

Recent cyber incidents in aerospace, including ransomware on suppliers and espionage against defense contractors, underscore the urgency of cyber investment.

Airbus and Boeing are targeted because of dual-use technology, sensitive data, global supply chains, and the potential strategic impact on national security and global mobility.

The future of aviation safety depends on cyber resilience, embedding cybersecurity in aircraft design, securing interlinked air-space-ground systems, strengthening supply chain resilience, and closer government collaboration.

Closing of the transaction is anticipated in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The Ultra Cyber acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval, marking a step toward integrated cyber resilience as part of aviation safety.

Closing of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected in the second half of 2026; financial terms were not disclosed.

Juliette Wilcox of Ultra I&C UK Cyber highlights the collaboration as accelerating UK innovation, R&D, and delivery of advanced cyber solutions both in the UK and internationally.

Wilcox also describes the deal as a major step forward for the UK’s sovereign cyber capability and future collaboration on R&D and delivery of advanced cyber solutions.