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Airbus agrees to buy Ultra Cyber from Advent's Cobham Ultra

The European aerospace group combines a Maidenhead cyber unit with its Newport operations to build a UK sovereign cyber business.

M&A News deals deskIndustrials / Defence cyber security · United Kingdom, Europe23 Mar 2026

Airbus signed a definitive agreement on 23 March to acquire Ultra Cyber Ltd, a British cyber security and secure communications business, from the Advent-owned Cobham Ultra group.

Ultra Cyber website: ultra-ic.com

Why Airbus SE is buying Ultra Cyber Ltd

Airbus said the deal strengthens its end-to-end cyber portfolio and its sovereign capabilities in the UK, complementing its existing cyber business in Newport, Wales. Ultra Cyber's airborne datalinks capability complements Airbus's military aircraft portfolio. The business will join Airbus Defence and Space's Connected Intelligence unit.

“This acquisition testifies to our long-term commitment to the UK as a core home market”Mike Schoellhorn, Chief Executive, Airbus Defence and Space

Deal terms and financing

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Regulatory approvals and timing

Completion is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected in the second half of 2026.

Market context

Under Advent's ownership Ultra Cyber opened a £30m cyber centre of excellence in Maidenhead and upgraded its secure facilities, according to Advent.

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