Why defence and space go hand in hand with sustainability

Sustainability in the aeronautics industry is mainly associated with aircraft decarbonisation, which is one of the principal axes of the Airbus sustainability journey. We are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our products by exploring innovative technologies such as hydrogen propulsion, electrification, SAF, design and materials. Our approach to sustainability doesn't stop at respecting the planet – we've also committed to valuing people and enabling prosperity.

The link between sustainability and defence may be less obvious or seen as a contradiction. In fact Airbus Defence and Space contributes significantly to Airbus’ sustainability. 

There is no sustainability without security

Security and stability are a prerequisite for social and economic development. “There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development,” asserts the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Peace and stability are fragile and must be protected. Military and space power are the ultimate tools of governments and international bodies to defend their borders and the rule of law, protect their citizens and secure their critical assets. 

Environmental sustainability and global security have a symbiotic connection. Climate change is the greatest threat to the planet and to humanity. At the same time, the return of war in Europe and the rising geopolitical tensions around the world have underlined the critical importance of peace and stability. 

If people’s vital and psychological needs are not met or are at risk, if people feel insecure, all the other needs will not be a priority. By defending our way of life, our values, our democracy, we are more resilient, we also have the means and the stability to address sustainability and climate change. 

The right balance between ecological responsibilities and robust defence capabilities

Our approach to sustainability is embedded in our defence and space activities and plays a significant role in the manufacture and use of our products. We aim to reduce our industrial footprint wherever possible by driving the use of SAF, prioritising circularity in product design and reducing the consumption of resources at our sites with ambitious targets.

We meet these requirements without losing sight of our core priority – security and safety – or compromising defence capabilities. The efficiency and effectiveness of our products and systems must take centre stage. It is our responsibility to ensure the reliability and performance of our products for those who defend and protect our nations, so that they can succeed in their mission.

Space technologies improve life on Earth

Space capabilities are essential to the daily running of our societies and the safety of our nations. Without navigation satellites such as Galileo, the safety of our movements on Earth and in the air would not be guaranteed. Without telecommunication satellites, citizens would not be able to have real-time communications. Moreover, the secured connectivity they provide make them instrumental for armed forces around the globe in their operations and secured communications. 

Space exploration can be a catalyst for significant breakthroughs on Earth. For example, the air recycling technology developed by Airbus for the International Space Station has been repurposed for Direct Air Capture on Earth for use in industrial processes and vertical farms.

Preventing crises and sustaining livelihoods

We help our customers respond to humanitarian and environmental crises by providing technologies that monitor, analyse and anticipate events to prevent them from escalating.

Eurofighters patrol NATO's eastern flank around the clock to prevent the possible infiltration of hostile flying objects. We see the need for this on an almost weekly basis with the use of drones in the war in Ukraine.

 The spread of false or misleading information is a growing threat to democratic societies, often directly targeting civilians. To counter this digital manipulation and cyber-attacks, amplified by social media, we are working on software-based detection of misinformation campaigns, which may occur in the early stages of a conflict and contribute to its escalation or threaten social cohesion.

Climate change is a fundamental threat to livelihoods, species and places. Scientific data is essential to mitigate its effects. More than 50% of climate change indicators can only be measured from space, making Earth observation satellites an essential tool for monitoring the effects of climate change on natural ecosystems. Airbus has built 20 climate satellites that are currently involved in climate monitoring. For example, the ESA’s Sentinel-2 satellites are used for land monitoring, while Sentinel-6 measures global sea levels, primarily for operational oceanography and for climate studies. Satellite data helps scientists make climate predictions and provides authorities with scientific information so they can make the best possible decisions to mitigate the effects of climate change. 

Our space imagery and solutions also help with forest management. Starling software tracks deforestation across the globe and we are also working on solutions that use satellites to detect forest fires in their early stages from space, using the European Data Relay System - EDRS. This system provides detailed analysis to help firefighters better implement an immediate relief plan. 

Protecting lives, values and vital infrastructure

Our products and solutions enable our customers and armed forces to protect lives during a conflict.  They also help armed forces protect critical infrastructure vital to a functioning society: energy, telecommunications, transport and water.

Our military aircraft, such as the Eurofighter, A400M, C295 and A330 MRTT, enable nations to protect and patrol their airspace. They also participate in high-profile and dangerous humanitarian evacuations such as in Afghanistan in 2021 and in Sudan in 2023.

Climate change is a major contributor to the frequency and severity of wildfires. In addition to secure communication solutions to help firefighters on the ground, Airbus is upgrading its A400M with a firefighting kit capable of dropping 20,000 litres of retardant over a distance of 400 metres. It will complement Airbus Helicopters' current firefighting solutions, as well as the use of satellite data to monitor and analyse the progress of the fires.

Restoring social and environmental systems

A crisis, whether a natural disaster or a conflict, can have a devastating impact on human lives and the functioning of society. Loss of life is the foremost consequence but a crisis can also cause severe destruction and jeopardise basic needs such as shelter, food and healthcare. Airbus products play an important role in restoring infrastructure, social systems and the environment.

For example, our A400M and C295 aircraft can be transformed into flying hospitals or used for humanitarian air transport, as was the case after earthquakes in Morocco and in Turkey. The Airbus-built constellation of satellites (SPOT, Pléiades or Pléiades Neo) can also be activated through the International Chart as er Space and Major Disasters, providing a global overview of a situation and accurate data that can only be obtained from space. Equipped with the right information, local authorities can make well-informed decisions regarding rescue team assignments, damage assessment and what kind of relief is most needed.

Security, defence, space and sustainability are all mutually reinforcing. Sustainability is at the heart of Airbus’ purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. With our skills, capabilities and technologies, we stand by our customers and citizens to help prevent, protect and restore in times of crisis.

Airbus Defence & Space Sustainability video :