A global partnership between Airbus Defense and Space and Cisco has been formed to combine complementary technology.

The teaming of products and expertise in the defense, security and satellite communication industries will focus on developing products and systems in software-defined networking, cyber-security, mobility, cloud, data intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Airbus DS said the agreement includes sales and technology training and joint go-to-market activities, as well as joint solution and service development.

"This relationship is a significant step forward for both companies," said Eric Souleres, head of Airbus DS' Engineering, Operations and Quality of the Communications, Intelligence and Security unit. "By utilising both companies' technology and expertise we will be able to develop and offer superior and ground-breaking products and solutions to our customers, and strengthen our respective strategies as system integrator and IT leader."

As part of the agreement, Airbus DS becomes a Cisco Global Specialty Integrator and will be able to embed Cisco technologies into its own systems and solutions. It will also partner directly with Cisco globally and resell selected networking technology and collaborate in the development of new solutions.

"Cisco and Airbus Defense and Space strongly believe that the network is key in driving innovation and delivering business outcomes to our customers," Wendy Mars, vice president of Cisco EMEAR Enterprise Business said. "The diversity of our talent and technology will help enable both companies to better address existing opportunities and create transformational solutions that will deliver competitive advantage in the defense, cyber security and the satellite communication industries."