Airbus Partners with Alta Ares to Develop Advanced Counter-Drone Solutions
Strategic Collaboration to Enhance European Air Defence
Overview of the Partnership
June 11 - Europe's largest aerospace group Airbus plans to work with French counter-drone startup Alta Ares to help meet demand for air defence systems, under a non-binding deal made public on Thursday.
Context: Rising Drone Threats in Europe
Impacts of the Ukraine War
Drones have proved highly strategic in the Ukraine war, but increasingly threaten European countries as Russia has carried out hostile overflights and airspace violations, prompting the European Commission to present a plan in February to counter drone threats across the European Union.
Alta Ares: Background and Funding
Alta Ares was among the startups invited by the French presidency to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in November 2025. It said on Tuesday it had raised €50 million ($58 million) in its second funding round.
Technological Innovations in Counter-Drone Systems
AI-Based Interceptor Ammunition
The company develops ammunition equipped with AI-based software to intercept and destroy drones.
Memorandum of Understanding Details
In a statement from both companies on Thursday, Airbus said it signed a memorandum of understanding through its Airbus Defence and Space division, with the startup to "cooperate on the development and integration of European counter-drone solutions".
Deployment and Integration
Global Use of Alta Ares Solutions
Already used by Ukrainian forces against Russian drones, Alta Ares says its drone interceptors are also deployed in the Middle East and in Asia.
Integration with Airbus Defence Systems
Airbus plans to integrate its military command software Fortion IBMS and its air and missile defence management system, the Fortion SAMOC suite, with Alta Ares' counter-drone systems.
Development of Advanced Interceptors
The group will also contribute to the development of Alta Ares' two interceptors, Black Bird, which targets cruise missiles, and X-Locks, designed to counter drones such as the Iranian-designed Shahed.
Financial and Reporting Notes
($1 = 0.8664 euros)
(Reporting by Florence Loève; editing by Barbara Lewis)
