Airbus has released that it plans to cut up to 2,500 jobs in its Defence and Space division by mid-2026, aiming to enhance competitiveness by streamlining its organisational structure. Specific details of the restructuring plan have not yet been disclosed.
The announcement follows Airbus' report of a decline in second-quarter profits in July. Earlier this year, the company revised its adjusted earnings forecast to around €5.5 billion for 2024, down from an earlier estimate of €6.5 to €7 billion.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, explained that the division has faced significant challenges in recent years, including disrupted supply chains, rapid changes in warfare, and cost pressures from budget constraints. While transformation efforts from 2023 have improved operational performance, further steps are needed to adapt to the increasingly difficult space market. To remain a competitive leader, the division must become faster and leaner.
Airbus said it will continue to act responsibly towards its employees during this transition, but stressed the need for adaptation to lead the European defence aerospace sector.
