GFD
GFD GmbH is an Airbus-owned German defence services provider delivering military-near aviation training (aerial target simulation with a Learjet 35A/36A fleet, electronic warfare and JTAC training) and simulator-based pilot training for Eurofighter, Tornado, and A400M crews to the German Armed Forces across seven German bases.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1966
- HeadquartersHohn, Germany
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What GFD does
GFD is organised into two divisions. GFD Aviation operates a fleet of 15 Learjet 35A/36A aircraft equipped for aerial target simulation, radar flight inspection of military airspace surveillance systems, and a growing set of specialised mission profiles: live electronic warfare training via the self-developed Thread Simulator Pod (radar signature broadcast), JTAC/CAS training via integration of the RAFAEL Litening laser designator pod with video downlink and DACAS capability, and JamKite electronic attack/decoy missions using pods carried under-wing. GFD Simulation operates full-flight simulators for Eurofighter (Laage, Neuburg, Nörvenich, Wittmund since 2011), Tornado (Jagel since 2017, in-sourced from Holloman USA), and A400M (Wunstorf since 2015, with five different A400M simulators including EASA Level D-qualified devices), delivered by approximately 50 civilian flight instructors backed by more than 100 former German Air Force and Navy flight crew.
GFD firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- GFD
- Legal name
- GFD GmbH
- Website
- https://gfd.de
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1966
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- GFD GmbH is an Airbus-owned German defence services provider delivering military-near aviation training (aerial target simulation with a Learjet 35A/36A fleet, electronic warfare and JTAC training) and simulator-based pilot training for Eurofighter, Tornado, and A400M crews to the German Armed Forces across seven German bases.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
GFD industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defense Aviation Training Services
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military ISR, EW & SIGINT Payloads (Airborne) (IMABAMAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Military Aerospace Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Test Systems (IMABAMAL), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Electronics for Weapons (IMABAGAH)
Keywords
Where GFD is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hohn
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices8 records
Markets served
GFD business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Defense Training Services: Long-term service contracts with German Armed Forces for aviation and simulation training services. Revenue is generated through contractual arrangements providing cost-effective training using state-of-the-art technology.
- Aviation Services: Aerial target simulation and flight inspection operations for military airfields of the German Armed Forces, as well as operations for government departments, defense industry, NATO members and partners.
- Civil Research Contracts: Civil contracts for research institutes requiring specialized aviation services and capabilities.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
GFD product offering
Product offeringCore offering
GFD GmbH provides military-near aviation and simulation services for the German Armed Forces. Through its GFD Aviation division it operates a fleet of specially equipped Learjet 35A/36A aircraft to deliver aerial target simulation, electronic warfare training, JTAC/CAS support, and radar flight inspection. Through its GFD Simulation division it operates full mission simulators for the Eurofighter, Tornado, and A400M to deliver pilot, loadmaster, and crew training using civilian instructors with prior military experience.
Product overview
GFD GmbH is an Airbus company providing military-near aviation and simulation services for the German Armed Forces, operating two divisions. GFD Aviation operates a fleet of 14-18 Learjet 35A/36A aircraft offering aerial target simulation, flight inspection, and various mission capabilities including the Thread Simulator Pod, Laser Designator Pod, and JamKite electronic warfare missions. GFD Simulation operates full mission simulators for Eurofighter (Laage, Neuburg, Nörvenich, Wittmund), Tornado (Jagel), and A400M (Wunstorf) aircraft, providing pilot and crew training with civilian instructors who are former military aviators. Both divisions serve the German military with cost-effective training using state-of-the-art technology, with the company dating back to 1966 and employing approximately 250 people at seven locations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Aerial Target Simulation Live training service using specially equipped Learjet 35A/36A aircraft to provide realistic threat scenarios for the German Armed Forces, covering live electronic warfare training, JTAC/CAS, GCI, ISR, GBAD, Red Air Presentation, and Naval Ship Attack profiles.
Companies that use GFD
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
GFD technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
GFD partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- AirbuscoreGFD GmbH is an Airbus company. This ownership/affiliation with Airbus provides strategic backing in the aerospace and defense industry, enabling access to Airbus technologies, customers, and market presence.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
GFD competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- L3Harris Technologies: US-headquartered defense major with military training, simulation, and electronic warfare solutions serving NATO air forces. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering training systems and EW simulation to allied militaries.
- Thales: French defense prime offering flight training, air combat training systems, and EW simulation (including with French Air Force). Comparable as a broader European defense incumbent in military training services and electronic warfare.
- Leonardo: Italian defense prime with military pilot training academies and simulator manufacturing. Comparable as a European defense incumbent providing integrated training and simulation for NATO air forces.
- Rheinmetall: German defense prime with significant simulation and training offerings (including at Rheinmetall Electronics) for the Bundeswehr. Comparable as a larger German competitor with broader defense portfolio that competes for adjacent training and simulation contracts.
- Hensoldt: German defense electronics company providing radar, sensors, and EW systems that GFD flight-inspects. Adjacent comparable as a German-based defense supplier serving the same Bundeswehr customer base.
Direct peers
- CAE: Canadian-headquartered global leader in military and civil flight simulation/training with extensive EASA-qualified full-flight simulator fleet serving multiple air forces. Directly comparable as a primary provider of military pilot training services, including for NATO air forces.
- FlightSafety International: Major military and commercial flight training organization operating EASA-qualified simulators globally. Comparable as a peer in military pilot training delivery, instructor workforce, and EASA Level D simulator operations.
- Draken International: Operator of adversary air fleets providing adversary air, aerial target, and threat simulation services to NATO and US customers. Most direct comparable to GFD Aviation's Learjet-based target simulation and Red Air Presentation missions.
- Saab: Swedish defense and aerospace company with military training and simulation offerings (including Gripen pilot training). Comparable as a peer providing military pilot training, target simulation, and EW training services to NATO-aligned air forces.
- Elbit Systems: Israeli defense electronics company with strong EW training, aerial target simulation (e.g., Sky Shark), and JTAC training offerings. Comparable as a specialist in threat simulation and live EW training missions similar to GFD's JamKite and TSP capabilities.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
GFD social profiles
Digital presenceGFD compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
GFD financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
GFD leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
GFD funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
GFD M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about GFD
What does GFD do?
GFD GmbH provides military-near aviation and simulation services for the German Armed Forces. Through its GFD Aviation division it operates a fleet of specially equipped Learjet 35A/36A aircraft to deliver aerial target simulation, electronic warfare training, JTAC/CAS support, and radar flight inspection. Through its GFD Simulation division it operates full mission simulators for the Eurofighter, Tornado, and A400M to deliver pilot, loadmaster, and crew training using civilian instructors with prior military experience.
Is GFD a public or private company?
GFD is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was GFD founded?
GFD was founded in 1966. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is GFD based?
GFD is headquartered in Hohn, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does GFD make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Defense Training Services are the primary driver. The others are aviation Services and civil Research Contracts.
Who are GFD's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are L3Harris Technologies, Thales, Leonardo, Rheinmetall and Hensoldt. Direct peers are CAE, FlightSafety International, Draken International, Saab and Elbit Systems.
Does GFD have an API?
No public API is recorded for GFD.
What industry is GFD in?
GFD's product category is Defense Aviation Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAMAF, Military ISR, EW & SIGINT Payloads (Airborne), with a secondary code of IMABAMAL, Military Aerospace Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Test Systems. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.