Airbus

Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space have been awarded a contract to build a replacement military communications satellite for Spain. The project is part of a broader space joint venture that also includes Leonardo. The new satellite will provide critical communications capabilities for Spain's military.

Airbus Defence and Space revenue increased to €9.3 billion in the first half of 2026, driven by sales of the A330 MRTT and advancements in military aircraft deliveries. The revenue represents a significant increase from the €5.1 billion reported in the same period last year.

Airbus delivered the first NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopter to the French military, a variant designed for special operations. The helicopter is part of the French Army Aviation's fleet and features specific modifications for special ops. This delivery marks a significant milestone in France's military modernization efforts.

Airbus has delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 special operations helicopter to France's Armament General Directorate. The delivery is part of an 18-aircraft programme that will conclude in 2029. The NH90 Standard 2 helicopter will be used by French army special forces.

Airbus' chief executive believes the company could receive additional orders for the A400M military transport aircraft through a pooled plan among NATO allies. The plan would allow NATO members to share resources and capabilities, potentially increasing demand for the aircraft.

Thales Alenia Space has been contracted to build Italy's newest hyperspectral satellite, which will have triple the resolution of its predecessors. The satellite is part of Italy's PRISMA second-generation hyperspectral mission. Airbus has also been tapped for a Spanish military replacement satellite, indicating a growing demand for advanced satellite technology in the European military sector.

Airbus CEO reports good momentum on the A400M program, indicating progress and potential growth.

The Airbus A400M has been deployed by the French Air and Space Force to fight wildfires in France, marking its first real-world firefighting mission. The aircraft used a roll-on/roll-off firefighting kit to drop fire retardant over the affected areas. This deployment showcases the A400M's versatility and capability in supporting disaster relief efforts.

Airbus has begun operational maritime surveillance missions with its U030 Flexrotor uncrewed aircraft in the Baltic region. The missions are being conducted under a European Maritime Safety Agency framework. The U030 Flexrotor is being used for maritime surveillance operations.

Airbus executives report a turnaround in the company's space business, driven by growing demand for satellite systems, particularly from Europe. The company is pursuing a joint venture to capitalize on this trend. Airbus is well-positioned to tap into the increasing demand for space capabilities.

The first Tranche 4 Eurofighter Typhoon for the German Air Force made its maiden flight from Airbus' facility in Manching, Germany. The flight is part of Project Quadriga, which aims to procure 38 Tranche 4 jets to replace the oldest aircraft in service. This project will enhance the German Air Force's capabilities.

Northrop Grumman and Airbus signed an agreement to support the planned expansion of the MQ-4C Triton for NATO's ISR Force. The partnership aims to bring the uncrewed aircraft system into NATO operations. This collaboration is expected to enhance NATO's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

Jean-Brice Dumont, an executive from Airbus, will become the new CEO of MBDA, Europe's largest missile maker, effective November 1. He will succeed Eric Béranger, who has led the company for seven years. The appointment is part of MBDA's next phase of transformation and growth.

Germany's newest fighter jet has made its first flight, marking a significant milestone for the country's air force. The aircraft is part of the Quadriga-programme and one of 58 on order for Berlin. The flight was conducted by Airbus Defence & Space from their Manching final assembly site near Munich.

European defence firms have formed the Bliksem EXO consortium to develop a sovereign upper-layer interceptor for NATO-compatible missile defence. The consortium aims to defeat ballistic threats, including Russia's intermediate-range Oreshnik missile. A test of the exo-atmospheric interceptor is planned for 2027.

The UK is seeking counter-drone electronic warfare options for Ukraine, according to a report by Aviation Week. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities. The report highlights the growing importance of electronic warfare in modern conflicts.

NATO plans to add up to five Northrop Grumman Triton drones for maritime surveillance, enhancing its aerial capabilities. The acquisition is part of NATO's efforts to boost its air power and improve surveillance capabilities. This move is expected to create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic and strengthen the alliance's defense capabilities.

Aviation Week discusses the design of the Royal Air Force for the 2040s, focusing on future technologies and capabilities. The article explores the potential developments and innovations that will shape the RAF's future. It also mentions the importance of adapting to emerging technologies and threats.

The European Space Agency has selected Airbus Defence and Space to build the Aeolus-2 wind-monitoring satellite, a successor to the original Aeolus satellite. This new satellite will continue to provide critical wind-monitoring capabilities. The project is currently in its initial stages of development.

Quantum Systems' valuation has doubled in an Airbus-backed funding round, indicating significant investment in the company. This investment suggests a growing interest in Quantum Systems' technologies. The funding round is a notable development in the industry, with potential implications for future advancements.

Airbus has been selected to build a follow-on satellite for the Aeolus wind sensing program. The Aeolus satellite is designed to measure wind patterns and provide data for weather forecasting and climate modeling. This contract represents a significant development in the field of space-based Earth observation.

Quantum Systems has secured $1.2 billion in Series D funding to expand its multi-domain autonomous systems and strengthen its partnership with Airbus Defence in Europe. The company aims to develop autonomous systems that can operate together across domains in real-time. This investment will help Quantum Systems scale its operations and deepen its collaboration with Airbus Defence.

Airbus Defence and Space has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Brave1, Ukraine's central government-led defence technology coordinator, to accelerate Ukrainian battlefield technology innovation. The partnership aims to enhance Ukraine's defence capabilities through technological advancements. This collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on the country's military modernization efforts.

Dassault has confirmed a new disagreement with Airbus regarding the Eurodrone project. The details of the rift are not specified, but it indicates tension between the two companies involved in the development of the Eurodrone. This project is significant in the context of European defense technology and cooperation.

Belgium has received its first Airbus H145M military helicopter. The H145M is a lightweight, multi-role helicopter designed for military operations. This acquisition marks a significant upgrade to Belgium's military capabilities.

The GAO report discusses the reorganization of the DoD's Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation. The office made several organizational and staffing changes in response to the Secretary of Defense's direction.

Japan is considering the Airbus Eurodrone for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare. Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to explore this possibility. The Eurodrone is being developed as a multi-role unmanned aerial vehicle, and Japan's interest in an anti-submarine variant marks a significant development in the program.

Airbus and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on a Japanese anti-submarine warfare variant of the Eurodrone. The partnership will explore the potential use of the Eurodrone as a maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare asset, with possible modifications to the existing design. The Eurodrone offers long flight endurance and can carry a larger mission payload, making it a suitable candidate for this role.

The architect of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program has raised concerns about the collaborative combat aircraft. The program aims to develop a new generation of air dominance capabilities.

The Belgian air force has taken delivery of its first H145M light utility helicopter from Airbus Helicopters, with 19 more to follow. The helicopter was handed over on June 23 and will be based at Beauvechain air base. A total of 15 H145Ms will be supplied to the Belgian air force, and five to other government agencies.

LockheedMartinVideos discusses the future of long-range strike with its PrSM Increment 4 offering, designed to extend missile range and deliver precision at greater distances.

Airbus Helicopters is testing its Racer demonstrator to validate compound architecture for high-speed rotorcraft. The company's CEO believes military funding is necessary before introducing this technology to civil platforms. Flight tests of the Racer are ongoing.