Technology & Innovation
Swansea University Advances Aerospace Cybersecurity with MBSE Integration
Collaborative project applies Model-Based Systems Engineering to embed cybersecurity in aircraft design, enhancing resilience against evolving cyber threats.
Enhancing Aerospace Cybersecurity through Model-Based Systems Engineering
Swansea University, in collaboration with Novel Engineering Consultants Ltd and Airbus Endeavr Wales, has initiated a pioneering research project aimed at strengthening aerospace systems against cyber threats. This effort marks the first of its kind to explore the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) at the early design stage to proactively embed cybersecurity into aerospace infrastructure.
Led by Professor Siraj Shaikh, Head of the Systems Security Group at Swansea University, and Dr. Hoang Nga Nguyen, the project brings together academic research and industry expertise to create resilient, forward-thinking cybersecurity frameworks. The initiative addresses increasing concerns over cyberattacks in the aerospace sector and aims to develop tools and practices that can be integrated into system architectures from inception.
With the support of Airbus Endeavr Wales, a joint initiative between the Welsh Government and Airbus Defence and Space, the project also contributes to job creation, skills development, and economic growth in Wales. It underscores the importance of academic–industry collaboration in driving innovation and securing critical infrastructure.
Understanding the Aerospace Cybersecurity Landscape
Evolution of Aerospace Cyber Threats
The aerospace industry has witnessed a significant evolution in its cybersecurity needs over the past two decades. Historically, aviation systems operated in isolated environments with limited digital interfaces. However, the integration of satellite communications, in-flight entertainment, cloud-based navigation, and interconnected operational technologies has drastically expanded the attack surface.
Incidents such as the 2018 Cathay Pacific data breach, which impacted 9.4 million passengers, and attacks on European aerospace manufacturers have highlighted vulnerabilities in both passenger and operational domains. According to industry reports, cyberattacks on aerospace systems have increased by over 60% between 2019 and 2021, with ransomware and data breaches becoming increasingly common.
Regulatory bodies like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have responded by proposing amendments to aircraft certification processes, requiring cybersecurity considerations in systems that interface with flight control mechanisms. These developments underscore the urgency for integrated, systemic approaches to cybersecurity in aerospace.
What is Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)?
MBSE is a methodology that replaces traditional document-based engineering with model-centric approaches. It provides a structured framework for managing system requirements, design, analysis, and validation through interconnected models. These models serve as the authoritative source of information throughout the system lifecycle.
By enabling real-time impact analysis and automated verification, MBSE enhances the ability to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities early in the design process. This is particularly valuable in complex systems like aircraft, where interdependencies between software, hardware, and human factors can introduce unforeseen risks.
In the context of cybersecurity, MBSE allows for the visualization of threat pathways, simulation of attack scenarios, and integration of security features as core design elements rather than afterthoughts. This proactive approach is essential in an environment where threats are constantly evolving.
“MBSE transforms cybersecurity from bolt-on remediation to foundational design principle. By modeling threat scenarios pre-deployment, we shift from reactive patching to predictive hardening.” , Professor Siraj Shaikh
The Collaborative Research Initiative
Roles and Contributions
Swansea University leads the research component of the project through its Systems Security Group. With a strong track record in cyber-physical systems, the university brings academic rigor and technical expertise to the initiative. Professor Shaikh and Dr. Nguyen are at the forefront of developing methodologies that integrate cybersecurity into system architecture from the outset.
Novel Engineering Consultants Ltd contributes its deep experience in MBSE. The company specializes in creating models that map complex interdependencies within aerospace systems. Their tools and frameworks are essential for visualizing and validating security measures across different system layers.
Airbus Endeavr Wales provides the industrial context and funding support necessary for real-world application. As a partnership between the Welsh Government and Airbus Defence and Space, Endeavr facilitates technology transfer from academia to industry, ensuring that innovations are aligned with operational needs.
Project Focus Areas
The project is organized around several key objectives. The first is early threat detection, which involves developing techniques to anticipate cyber threats before they affect operations. This includes the use of digital twins and simulation environments to model potential attack vectors.
Another focus is security validation, where the team is creating new methods to test and verify cybersecurity measures within system architectures. These methods aim to ensure that systems can withstand attacks without compromising safety or functionality.
Finally, the project seeks to establish best practice frameworks for integrating cybersecurity at the design stage. These frameworks will align with current aerospace security standards and help guide future developments in the industry.
Economic and Strategic Implications
The initiative is not only a technical endeavor but also a strategic investment in the regional economy. By fostering advanced skills and creating job opportunities, the project supports the Welsh Government’s broader goals for economic development and innovation.
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, emphasized the importance of the Endeavr program in translating research into tangible economic benefits. The collaboration is expected to attract further investment and position Wales as a hub for aerospace cybersecurity.
The project also contributes to the UK’s national security objectives by enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, initiatives like this are essential for maintaining operational integrity and public trust in aviation systems.
“By combining Novel’s deep expertise in model-based engineering with Swansea University’s world-class research in systems security, we’re creating new tools and practices that can integrate cybersecurity at the heart of aerospace.” , Ian Thomas, Novel Engineering
Broader Industry Context
Cybersecurity Trends in Aerospace
The aerospace industry is facing a growing array of cyber threats. These include ransomware attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and insider threats. As aircraft become more connected, the risk of cyber incidents affecting safety-critical systems increases.
Industry reports predict that the aerospace cybersecurity market will grow significantly over the next decade, driven by increased investment in defense technologies and regulatory compliance. The global market was valued at approximately $26.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $58.8 billion by 2032.
Efforts to secure aerospace systems are increasingly focusing on proactive measures, such as threat modeling and zero-trust architectures. The use of MBSE is gaining traction as a means to implement these strategies effectively and at scale.
Regulatory Developments
Regulatory bodies are updating their frameworks to address new cybersecurity challenges. EASA, for example, has proposed amendments to its certification processes to include cybersecurity risk assessments. These changes reflect a shift towards more comprehensive and integrated security requirements.
The DO-326A standard has become a key reference for aviation cybersecurity. It outlines the processes manufacturers must follow to demonstrate that their systems are secure. The Swansea-led project aligns with these standards, ensuring that its outputs are relevant and applicable to current regulatory environments.
By anticipating regulatory trends, the project positions itself as a leader in shaping the future of aerospace cybersecurity. Its frameworks could serve as models for other sectors facing similar challenges, such as maritime and automotive systems.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Swansea University, Novel Engineering, and Airbus Endeavr Wales represents a significant step forward in aerospace cybersecurity. By applying MBSE at the design stage, the project aims to create systems that are inherently secure, resilient, and compliant with emerging standards.
Beyond technical innovation, the initiative supports economic development and workforce training in Wales. It exemplifies how academic–industry partnerships can drive meaningful change and ensure that the aerospace sector remains safe, secure, and competitive in the face of evolving cyber threats.
FAQ
Question: What is MBSE and how does it relate to cybersecurity?
Answer: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a methodology that uses models to manage system design and analysis. In cybersecurity, MBSE helps identify vulnerabilities early and integrate security measures throughout the system lifecycle.
Question: Who are the main partners in this project?
Answer: The project is a collaboration between Swansea University, Novel Engineering Consultants Ltd, and Airbus Endeavr Wales.
Question: What are the goals of the research?
Answer: The project aims to develop frameworks for early threat detection, security validation, and regulatory compliance in aerospace systems using MBSE.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Sustainable Aviation
KBR PureSAF Technology Selected for Kazakhstan First SAF Plant
KBR licenses PureSAF technology for Kazakhstan’s first SAF facility, using an alcohol-to-jet process with domestic feedstocks.
Global engineering firm KBR announced on August 24, 2026, that it secured a contracts to license its proprietary PureSAF technology and provide engineering design for Kazakhstan’s inaugural Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility. The project, developed in partnership with KazMunayGas-Aero LLP (KMG-Aero) and KazFoodProducts (KFP), will utilize domestic agricultural feedstocks to produce low-carbon aviation fuel via an alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process.
In a press release detailing the contract award, KBR confirmed the agreement supports Kazakhstan’s strategic objective to establish itself as an international aviation hub while advancing aviation decarbonization. The planned facility will leverage technology developed in collaboration with Swedish Biofuels AB to convert ethanol into drop-in aviation fuel.
Technology and Project Scope
The facility will utilize KBR’s PureSAF technology, an alcohol-to-jet pathway designed to process agricultural feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel. The foundational trilateral agreement covering the Process Design Package (PDP) and technology licensing was signed by KBR, KMG-Aero, and KFP in Astana on July 23, 2026. KBR, which employs approximately 37,000 people and operates in 28 countries, will provide the engineering framework required to scale the AtJ process for commercial output.
KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions President Jay Ibrahim stated the company is honored to support the national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feed-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver high SAF yields and supports the project across the full lifecycle. We look forward to closely collaborating and supporting the successful execution of this landmark SAF project,” Ibrahim said.
Kazakhstan’s Aviation Decarbonization Strategy
The KBR contract follows a series of government initiatives aimed at building a domestic SAF supply chain. On August 4, 2026, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Dr. Peter Lee of Hong Kong-based Full Vision Capital signed a memorandum of understanding to explore creating a green aviation fuel ecosystem in the city of Alatau. This proposed ecosystem would cover the full production cycle, from cultivating agricultural feedstock to manufacturing the finished product.
These infrastructure investments align with recommendations from global aviation regulators and industry groups. In April 2026, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized that continued investment in SAF, alongside new airport infrastructure, is critical for Kazakhstan to capitalize on global passenger and cargo traffic and strengthen its domestic aviation sector.
AirPro News analysis
The KBR contract award represents a concrete technical step in Kazakhstan’s ambition to localize SAF production, but several commercial variables remain undefined. The August 24 announcement did not disclose the financial value of the engineering contract, the projected production capacity of the facility, or a target completion date. We note that while the alcohol-to-jet pathway is a proven method for SAF production, scaling agricultural feedstock supply-chain domestically will be critical to the plant’s long-term viability. The parallel involvement of Full Vision Capital suggests the government is actively working to finance and structure this agricultural supply chain in the Alatau region to ensure the KBR-designed facility has the necessary inputs to operate at scale.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: Montage
Technology & Innovation
Boeing and GM Complete Sale of HRL Laboratories to IBM
Boeing and GM finalized the sale of HRL Laboratories to IBM on August 25, 2026, supporting Boeing’s refocus on core aerospace operations.
The Boeing Company and General Motors Company have finalized the sale of their jointly owned research facility, HRL Laboratories, to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), a divestment that allows the aerospace and automotive manufacturers to redirect resources toward their primary industrial operations.
The transaction transfers ownership of the Malibu, California-based research center, which Boeing and GM previously held in a 50/50 joint venture. The companies initially announced the acquisition agreement on July 23, 2026. Boeing and GM confirmed the completion of the sale in a press release on August 25, 2026, followed by IBM’s official confirmation on August 26. Financial terms of the Acquisitions were not disclosed.
Strategic realignment for Boeing and GM
For Boeing, the sale of HRL Laboratories aligns with a broader corporate Strategy to streamline operations and concentrate capital on its core commercial airplanes, defense, and space divisions. HRL Laboratories was founded in 1948 and has historically provided advanced physical science and engineering research for its parent companies.
In a joint statement, Boeing and GM indicated that they will maintain a working relationship with the laboratory under its new ownership to support their respective technological needs.
“Since its founding in 1948, HRL Laboratories has been a leader in pioneering work in physical science and engineering, and we look forward to IBM building on this legacy. While Boeing and GM will continue to partner with IBM and HRL on quantum applications and advanced technology development, our companies will focus our resources on our respective core businesses and delivering the programs and services necessary to meet our customers’ evolving needs.”
IBM accelerates quantum hardware roadmap
The acquisition provides IBM with HRL’s expertise in silicon-spin qubits, quantum sensing, and advanced materials. IBM plans to integrate these technologies into its dual-track hardware strategy, combining its existing superconducting circuits with HRL’s silicon quantum dot research.
This integration supports the development of the IBM Quantum Starling, a fault-tolerant quantum computer projected to perform 100 million quantum operations by 2029.
Jay Gambetta, Director of Research and IBM Fellow, noted in a company statement that the HRL team brings a broad portfolio of technologies that will strengthen IBM’s long-term plans to deliver useful quantum computing. Gambetta stated the acquisition brings together advances across quantum computing, sensing, and networking.
Rob Vasquez, President and Chief Executive Officer of HRL Laboratories, described the acquisition as the natural next chapter for the facility, noting the team’s dedication to exploring how future quantum computers could be built at unprecedented scales.
AirPro News analysis
We view Boeing’s divestment of HRL Laboratories as a pragmatic step in its ongoing effort to stabilize and refocus its core aerospace Manufacturing businesses. While quantum computing and advanced materials research hold long-term promise for aerospace applications, maintaining a 50 percent stake in a dedicated research laboratory requires capital and management bandwidth that Boeing currently needs for its Commercial-Aircraft production and certification programs. By transitioning from an owner to a partner, Boeing retains access to HRL’s quantum advancements without the financial overhead of managing the joint venture.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: HRL Laboratories
Technology & Innovation
Archer Aviation and AEG to Build eVTOL Vertiport at LA LIVE
Archer Aviation and AEG announce a multi-year partnership to develop an eVTOL vertiport at LA LIVE ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Archer Aviation Inc. and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) have established a multi-year partnerships to construct a dedicated vertiport for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the L.A. LIVE district in downtown Los Angeles.
Announced in an August 24, 2026 press release, the agreement establishes Archer as the exclusive air taxi partner for the 4 million-square-foot sports and entertainment complex. The project serves as a central node for Archer’s planned Southern California network, targeting operational readiness ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Infrastructure and Network Expansion
The two companies have completed an initial feasibility study for the L.A. LIVE site. This assessment evaluated land-use requirements, airspace integration, power availability, and community impact. The project has now advanced to a secondary phase focused on operational procedures and passenger experience.
To support flight operations, the facility will incorporate electric aviation chargers manufactured by BETA Technologies. This hardware integration aligns with the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry’s ACES consortium, which aims to standardize charging infrastructure across different eVTOL platforms.
The downtown location will connect to a broader regional network. According to reporting by Aviation International News, Archer’s Los Angeles architecture includes a central operational hub at the newly acquired Hawthorne Municipal Airport (KHHR). Additional planned nodes include Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (KBUR), John Wayne Airport (KSNA), SoFi Stadium, and the University of Southern California. Pollstar News reports that passenger travel times across this network are estimated between 10 and 20 minutes.
Aligning with the LA28 Games
The vertiport development is closely tied to the upcoming LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Downtown Los Angeles Zone is scheduled to host 18 Olympic and Paralympic sports, positioning L.A. LIVE adjacent to Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center as a high-traffic transit corridor. Archer previously secured the designation of Official Air Taxi Provider for the LA28 Games and Team USA.
Archer Founder and CEO Adam Goldstein highlighted the strategic timing of the infrastructure build.
“Working with AEG on an iconic project like this vertiport at L.A. LIVE gives us the opportunity to continue building the infrastructure needed for Southern California to lead in the next era of all-electric flight. We see this as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to add a flagship downtown location to our planned Los Angeles air taxi network ahead of the LA28 Games.”
AEG Global Partnerships President and Chief Operating Officer Nick Baker stated the collaboration blends infrastructure and technology to serve event attendees and the broader community.
Unconfirmed Site Details
While the partnership is confirmed, specific logistical details remain undisclosed. Aviation International News noted that the exact footprint of the vertiport within the L.A. LIVE campus has not been specified. Potential locations could include existing parking structures, including one with a 100,000-square-foot rooftop deck, though neither Archer nor AEG has verified a specific location. Funding structures, ownership models, and specific operational responsibilities for the vertiport also remain unannounced.
AirPro News analysis
Securing viable takeoff and landing real estate in dense urban centers remains one of the highest barriers to entry for the AAM sector. By partnering directly with AEG, Archer bypasses several municipal land-acquisition hurdles, leveraging existing private commercial space in a highly regulated downtown corridor. The decision to install BETA Technologies chargers is equally significant. We view this hardware choice as a pragmatic step toward interoperability, ensuring the site can potentially service mixed fleets in the future rather than operating as a closed ecosystem. The success of this node will likely depend on local airspace deconfliction over downtown Los Angeles and the finalization of high-capacity grid connections required for rapid turnaround times.
Sources: Archer Aviation
Photo Credit: Archer Aviation
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