Airbus completes acquisition of Quarkslab, strengthens French sovereignty in cybersecurity

Airbus Defence and Space has finalised the acquisition of the French cybersecurity company Quarkslab following regulatory approvals. This investment is another step in Airbus’ strategy to reinforce its position as a trusted, sovereign partner for French authorities, while expanding its footprint in the European cybersecurity landscape.

Founded in 2011, Quarkslab is a privately owned French cybersecurity company with approximately 100 employees, primarily based in Paris and Rennes. Backed by global alternative asset manager Tikehau Capital since 2020, the company delivers cybersecurity solutions to help organisations protect users, critical assets, and data from cyberattacks. Its flagship product QShield, a comprehensive solution for software providers, protects software against AI threats while safeguarding data and code. The solution also secures edge components and stops them from being reverse-engineered by attackers or AI, namely in the defence and aerospace industry.

“Quarkslab’s team and its deep expertise will integrate into the fast-growing cybersecurity activities within Airbus Defence and Space, reinforcing a resilient, sovereign cyber player in France and across Europe,” said François Lombard, Head of Connected Intelligence at Airbus Defence and Space. “This acquisition strengthens our ability to build the digital shield required to help keep our nations and allies ahead in the cybersecurity domain.”

Through the deep expertise of its in-house QLab team and the QShield platform, Quarkslab delivers tailored protection for government and commercial clients against increasingly sophisticated attacks. Its cybersecurity engineers and developers bridge academic research and practical application to foster innovation. Already an Airbus supplier and partner, Quarkslab will complement Airbus’ existing sovereign cybersecurity capabilities in France.

The transaction follows the acquisition of Infodas in Germany in 2024 and the acquisition of Ultra Cyber Ltd in the UK in March 2026. Airbus Defence and Space operates a pan-European cybersecurity footprint across France, the UK, Germany, Spain and Finland, providing governments, armed forces and institutions with sovereign expertise and critical digital protection.