Airbus (OTC: EADSY) announced an agreement to acquire Quarkslab, a French cybersecurity company, with the transaction expected to close in 2026 subject to regulatory approvals and employee consultations.

Quarkslab, founded in 2011, employs approximately 100 people primarily in Paris and Rennes. The company has been backed by Tikehau Capital since 2020. Quarkslab provides cybersecurity solutions and markets QShield, a software protection platform designed to guard against AI threats and reverse engineering in defense and aerospace sectors.

"Quarkslab's deep expertise and team are expected to join the fast-growing cyber activities within Airbus Defence and Space and to reinforce a resilient, sovereign cyber player in France and across Europe," said François Lombard, Head of Connected Intelligence business unit at Airbus Defence and Space.

Fred Raynal, CEO and Founder of Quarkslab, stated: "By going back to my roots at Airbus, where I first started professionally in cyber, I hope to extend the reach of Quarkslab. Europe needs stronger actors, and I believe Airbus is one of the few able to help us to scale for critical infrastructures and governments."

The acquisition represents Airbus Defence and Space's second cybersecurity agreement within a month. The company previously acquired Infodas in Germany in 2024 and announced plans to acquire Ultra Cyber Ltd in the UK in March 2026.

Airbus Defence and Space currently operates cybersecurity activities across France, the UK, Germany, Spain and Finland, serving government, military and institutional customers with cybersecurity expertise and products.