Airbus Expands European Cybersecurity Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition of French Firm Quarkslab

Airbus Expands European Cybersecurity Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition of French Firm Quarkslab

(IN BRIEF) Airbus has moved to strengthen its cybersecurity position in Europe through an agreement to acquire French firm Quarkslab. The deal, expected to close in 2026 pending approvals, reflects Airbus Defence and Space’s continued expansion in the cyber domain, following recent acquisitions and planned investments across key European markets. Quarkslab brings strong technical expertise, particularly through its QShield platform, which protects software and systems from advanced threats, including AI-driven attacks and reverse engineering. The company’s focus on research-driven innovation and its established relationship with Airbus position it as a strategic addition to Airbus’ sovereign cybersecurity capabilities. Together, the two organizations aim to enhance protection for critical infrastructure, governments, and defence sectors across Europe, reinforcing Airbus’ ambition to serve as a trusted cybersecurity partner for its home nations and allies.

(PRESS RELEASE) TOULOUSE, 21-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Airbus has signed an agreement to acquire Quarkslab, marking a further step in its effort to reinforce sovereign cybersecurity capabilities in France and across Europe. The transaction, announced in Paris on 21 April 2026, remains subject to consultations with employee representatives and standard regulatory approvals, with completion anticipated later in 2026. This move represents Airbus Defence and Space’s second cyber-related acquisition agreement within a month, underlining its accelerating investment in the sector.

Founded in 2011, Quarkslab employs around 100 specialists, mainly operating out of Paris and Rennes. Since 2020, it has been supported by Tikehau Capital. The company is known for delivering advanced cybersecurity solutions designed to protect critical systems, sensitive data, and users against increasingly complex cyber threats. Among its key offerings is QShield, a platform developed to secure software environments, mitigate AI-driven risks, protect sensitive code and data, and prevent reverse engineering—particularly in defence and aerospace applications.

François Lombard, Head of the Connected Intelligence business unit at Airbus Defence and Space, highlighted that Quarkslab’s technical expertise and workforce will integrate into Airbus’ expanding cyber operations. He noted that the acquisition is expected to strengthen Airbus’ ability to build robust digital defence systems and enhance its role as a trusted cybersecurity partner for national governments and allied institutions.

Fred Raynal, CEO and founder of Quarkslab, emphasized the strategic alignment between the two organizations. Having previously begun his career at Airbus, Raynal expressed confidence that joining forces would enable Quarkslab to expand its reach and contribute to building stronger European cybersecurity capabilities, particularly for critical infrastructure and government clients.

Quarkslab’s expertise is rooted in its QLab research team and its QShield platform, both of which combine academic research with real-world cybersecurity applications. The company’s engineers and developers focus on innovation and tailored security solutions, supporting both public institutions and private enterprises in defending against evolving cyber threats. As an existing Airbus supplier and partner, Quarkslab is expected to seamlessly complement Airbus’ established sovereign cybersecurity capabilities in France.

This acquisition builds on Airbus’ broader European cybersecurity strategy, following the integration of Infodas in Germany in 2024 and the planned acquisition of Ultra Cyber Ltd in the United Kingdom announced in March 2026. Airbus Defence and Space now operates a coordinated cybersecurity network spanning France, the UK, Germany, Spain, and Finland, delivering secure digital systems and providing specialized cybersecurity expertise to governments, armed forces, and institutional clients across the region.

Media Contact:

Bruno Daffix
AIRBUS | Defence and Space
+33 6 48 09 96 50
 bruno.b.daffix@airbus.com

SOURCE: Airbus