The money will fund research and development projects through 2030
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a record €3 billion financing package for Airbus to support research and development in commercial aviation, defence and space, as the EU seeks to strengthen its industrial base and technological competitiveness.
The first €1 billion loan was signed in Brussels on Monday, marking the initial tranche of what the EIB described in a press statement as the largest corporate financing envelope in its history.
The funding will back Airbus’ research and development projects through 2030 across France, Germany and Spain, focusing on advanced aerospace technologies, integrated systems, and security and defence capabilities. The investment is also expected to support work on next-generation manufacturing, connected aerospace systems and technologies aimed at reducing aviation emissions.
The financing comes as European policymakers push to bolster the bloc’s technological sovereignty and reduce strategic dependencies amid growing geopolitical tensions and increased defence spending.
