Airbus Defence and Space has announced plans to reduce its operations and workforce, citing ongoing challenges in the defense and space sectors. The company will reduce up to 2,500 positions by mid-2026
This decision, revealed on October 16, 2024, comes after significant financial charges in the Space Systems segment in 2023 and 2024. For the first half of 2024, the company reported a charge of around €989 million for this business segment.
The division, which employs around 35,000 people, has faced a rapidly changing business environment, impacted by disrupted supply chains, evolving warfare technology, and increasing cost pressures.
Although transformation efforts launched in 2023 have reportedly improved operational performance, Airbus Defence and Space CEO Mike Schoellhorn emphasized the need for further changes to stay competitive, particularly in the challenging space market.
“In recent years, the defence and space sector and, thus, our Division have been impacted by a fast-changing and very challenging business context,” Schoellhorn stated. “This requires us to become faster, leaner, and more competitive.”
Airbus Defence and Space said it had initiated discussions with its social partners, with further consultations to follow.