Airbus plans to cut 2,043 positions in its Defence and Space division—about 5% of its workforce—citing challenges from American rivals in satellite production. While smaller than the initially floated 2,500 roles, this move targets inefficiencies and offsets €1.5 billion in satellite-related losses. Geostationary spacecraft builders like Airbus have faced stiff competition from low Earth orbit small satellites, notably those powering Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Germany will feel the largest pinch with 689 roles axed, followed by France (540), Britain (477), and Spain (303). The cuts are diplomatically sensitive; after all, Airbus was founded on a four-nation collaboration, and each has its share of industrial pride.
The Space Systems unit shoulders most of the blow with 1,128 job reductions, but Airbus promises no forced layoffs. Instead, the focus is on trimming managerial fat rather than hands-on roles. Concurrently, “Project Bromo,” a proposed merger with Thales and Leonardo’s satellite businesses, aims to bolster European competitiveness.
Governments holding Airbus stakes are monitoring the Proton reorganisation plan like hawks—or perhaps, like satellite systems. Airbus seems determined to weather the storm, but for now, it’s clear the skies aren’t entirely friendly.
