While it has confirmed that it has not released any details of secret US technology, Airbus, the holding company for the European satellite maker Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus DS) has warned investors that it is likely to face significant fines for infringement of the US ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) rules. Specifically, Airbus is thought to have released inaccurate information on the use of agents and commissions. Only certain nations’ launch vehicles are licenced to fly satellites equipped with US spacecraft technology, which, until recently was classed as a munition. Airbus sometimes flies US ITAR regulated equipment on its satellites. Airbus has disclosed that the dissemination of the inaccurate information was discovered in November 2016.
