Airbus defence profit almost doubles as orders surge

Airbus’ Defence and Space division almost doubled its adjusted operating profit in the first half of 2026, according to the company’s half-year results.

The profits increased 84 percent to EUR 487m from EUR 265m a year earlier. Revenue rose 9 percent to EUR 6.3bn, lifting the operating margin from 4.6 percent to 7.7 percent.

Order intake increased by 83 percent. Airbus did not identify the contracts or countries behind the rise, but said Air Power drove most of the order growth during the first quarter.

Air Power includes military aircraft such as the A330 MRTT and A400M and accounted for almost two thirds of the division’s external revenue. Space Systems represented 22 percent.

The results come as Airbus strengthens its Nordic defence presence. The company recently opened an office in Denmark, where it aims to build closer links with national authorities and local suppliers.

All four Nordic countries now also participate in NATO’s Multinational MRTT Fleet. Norway was already a member, Denmark and Sweden joined in 2025, and Finland joined in July 2026. A forward operating base for the Airbus A330 MRTT fleet is planned at Karup in Denmark.

Airbus does not disclose how much of its order intake or revenue comes from Nordic customers.