Multi-domain operations: Enter the future of European defence

European defence aerospace is changing, powered by smart, networked capabilities for multi-domain operations. We are here to drive its transformation.

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Ensuring European security across domains

Prevail as one

Military operations are becoming increasingly complex, involving ever more advanced technologies and tactics. Going forward, this calls for an integrated approach. Multi-domain operations present a coherent and adaptive way of carrying out missions, uniting land, air, sea, space and cyber under one interconnected roof.

Within this multi-domain environment, Airbus is developing an interconnected network of capabilities spanning various domains. This involves preparing available military aircraft and helicopters for additional roles, setting up tomorrow's highly connected air combat systems and developing new crewed and uncrewed aerial systems that will work together seamlessly.

Multi-domain operations in action: An air perspective

Multi Domain Operations Scenario

All domains interconnected

Space

Satellites enable seamless global connectivity ensuring data exchange and communication across all domains. Uninterrupted surveillance gives the armed forces a strategic and tactical advantage.

Cyber
Digital solutions help ward off hostile threats and protect digital and physical assets from cyber attacks. It also allows for offensive maneuvers in support of other domains.

Air

Beyond carrying out strategic attacks, aerial forces collaborate with their counterparts in other domains to support land and sea operations or deliver mission-critical supplies.

Sea

Naval forces operate with heightened awareness, securing critical waterways while coordinating with assets on land and in the air. A rapid threat response ensures that critical areas and assets are protected.

Land

Ground forces move with precision, supported by intelligence from all domains to outmaneuver threats. Faster decision-making and improved coordination give them the upper hand.

Airbus’ building blocks for multi-domain operations

The solutions and technologies of Airbus are key to enabling multi-domain operations from an air perspective. Learn about the underlying building blocks.

Connectivity

We connect aircraft, satellites and platforms from different domains using secure, high-speed links. This enables cross-domain decision-making in real-time.

Intelligence

We fuse intelligence and data from different sources to generate an accurate operational overview across all domains.

Operations mission management

We ensure seamless cross-domain coordination through interoperable crewed and uncrewed platforms and by unifying operations across air, land, sea, cyber and space.

C2 Battle Management

When faced with the unexpected, commanders need a comprehensive overview to make decisions. We support distributed command and control to ensure any potential target is engaged.

Shaping Europe’s defence aerospace ecosystem

Strength in unity

The future of European defence depends on collaboration and joining forces. Promoting European self-reliance and the sovereignty of its nations lies at the heart of Airbus's mission. As a leading manufacturer and integrator of advanced defence capabilities, and a catalyst for multinational programmes, we are at the forefront of this technological disruption, fostering the cross-border collaboration vital for Europe to sustain its leadership in modern defence.

We shape and lead Europe’s ecosystem of defence aerospace. Because, ultimately, European defence is stronger when it's built together.

Where are multi-domain operations heading?

To 2040 and beyond

Today: Laying the groundwork

Airbus enables multi-domain operations by providing connected aircraft, secure communication systems, ISR capabilities, and AI-supported solutions for military decision makers.

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2030: True multi-domain operations

By 2030, Airbus will provide interoperable systems, real-time data fusion across domains and scalable command networks to support joint operations.

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2040: Future Combat Air System

Multi-domain operations will be powered by AI, uncrewed systems and secure connectivity, coming together in the Future Combat Air System, with the Next Generation Weapon System at its core.

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A phased roll-out from the late 2020s

Crewed-uncrewed teaming

Combining capabilities

Uncrewed aerial systems play a pivotal role in supporting air- and rotorcraft, enhancing their situational awareness and enabling them to carry out missions more effectively in multi-domain environments.

Airbus is spearheading the collaboration between crewed and uncrewed aerial platforms. For example, in 2024, Airbus demonstrated the potential of crewed-uncrewed teaming when an H130 helicopter took control of a VSR700 in response to a simulated piracy threat.

More on crewed-uncrewed teaming

Our contribution to collaborative European defence

Our products are shaping European defence aerospace - today and tomorrow.