Defence and innovation: Why security matters for our future

Airspace protection

Policing our airspace means defending it against unauthorised aircraft and drones to ensure they do not endanger civilian aircraft or people on the ground. It is a demanding 24/7 mission that requires constant vigilance and the ability to respond at a moment's notice.

The Eurofighter is the cornerstone of these efforts, intercepting hundreds of unidentified aircraft every year to maintain peace and deter threats. Beyond security, the programme is a major economic driver, supporting over 100,000 high-quality jobs and ensuring Europe's technological independence.

Protecting the digital frontier

We live in a world that never logs off. Being vigilant about who we share our personal data with and verifying the authenticity of social media posts has become part of our daily routine. Cybersecurity is the invisible barrier that protects not only our personal information, but also ensures the continued operation of critical systems, including the internet, banking, energy supply, as well as government services and the armed forces.

We work closely with defence forces and government agencies to design the digital shield for their most sensitive operations. Our solutions enhance the cyber resilience of existing systems, for instance by encrypting data to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. We also offer integrated solutions for managing operations in the cyber domain, such as detecting hidden malware and spotting and neutralising digital attacks, identifying threats of 'information warfare' and training the cyber specialists of tomorrow.

Disaster relief

When natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes strike, local services can quickly become overwhelmed. This is when emergency response teams step in to rescue people in danger and ensure that help reaches those who need it most. They help rebuild essential infrastructure and restore stability.

We provide the heavy-duty equipment for these missions, serving as a lifeline in times of need. The A400M, for instance, can land on unpaved runways to deliver vital supplies, serve as a 'flying hospital' and evacuate people from crisis zones — as it did in Kabul and Sudan. Meanwhile, agile and robust helicopters such as the H145M and H175M can rescue survivors from rooftops and quickly transport medical teams into the heart of a disaster, reaching even the most remote areas when every second counts.

Beyond that, our secure solutions for mission-critical communication help rescue teams coordinate their efforts effectively, while our Earth observation satellites provide the images needed to plan the best course of action.

Firefighting

Wildfires are no longer just a seasonal threat; they have become a year-round global crisis. Defence assets can be deployed as part of the relief efforts when fires rage out of control. With their ability to deliver precise water drops and transport firefighters in challenging terrain, helicopters such as the H225 and H225M, are key assets in the fight against the flames. For even larger-scale operations, a 'roll-on/roll-off' firefighting kit for the A400M is being tested. This would enable the transport aircraft to be quickly converted into a water bomber.

To track the progress of a fire, our drones such as the Flexrotor and our Earth observation satellites provide invaluable insights from above, while our solutions for secure, mission-critical communication ensure that ground and air teams stay perfectly in sync.

Search and rescue

For search and rescue teams, one thing is paramount: finding the missing and saving lives. Whether it's a lost hiker in the mountains, a missing boat at sea or a crashed aircraft, they are ready to act, providing a safety net should the unexpected happen.

We build the equipment that search and rescue teams can rely on. The H145 helicopter, for example, is ideal for swift rescues in complex environments such as mountainous or urban areas, while the C295 aircraft can survey large areas of ocean over extended periods to locate people in distress. In addition, our secure communication solutions ensure that rescue teams stay connected and organised, even in the most remote parts of the world.

Navigation and beyond

We don't see them, yet we have come to rely on satellites every day. Case in point: satellite navigation. It has become second nature for us to check our location or get directions through our phone. Where does the data for this come from? From satellites in space.

Airbus-built satellites are essential for providing the precise timing and positioning data that society uses every day. The Galileo constellation ensures Europe's independence in satellite navigation. And it's not just about you and me — it also provides various satellite-based services and applications for those who look after us, from maritime surveillance to emergency services. It helps to make transport safer and more efficient, and supports aircraft in critical operations such as take-off and landing. Today, the Galileo system serves nearly four billion users worldwide.

In the defence and security sector, satellites also play many other roles. For example, they enable secure communication for armed forces, wherever they are located. Earth observation satellites, meanwhile, provide the high-resolution imagery needed by defence and security forces to plan their missions, whether it's intelligence on enemy movements or an accurate picture of a crisis zone.

Maritime security

The ocean is the world's largest highway. Almost everything in your home, from technology to groceries, reaches you via global trade routes. It is vital to keep these waters safe by preventing smuggling and piracy, and protecting marine resources from illegal fishing, among others.

We provide defence and security forces with the tools they need to keep a constant watch over the sea. Our STYRIS® Coastal Surveillance System monitors coastlines and flags suspicious activity, while the C295 tactical airlifter acts as a long-range eye in the sky, defending against illegal activity across vast expanses of water. The NH90 and H160M helicopters provide the performance required for maritime security and life-saving search-and-rescue missions at sea.