DaimlerChrysler Aerospace

DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (DASA) was Germany's largest aerospace and defense corporation, established in 1989 as Deutsche Aerospace AG through the strategic consolidation of German aerospace assets by Daimler-Benz AG. The company was formed by merging Daimler-Benz's aerospace interests with MTU München and Dornier Flugzeugwerke, and subsequently acquired rival Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) in December 1989, creating a formidable aerospace conglomerate. Headquartered in Munich, DASA controlled more than 60% of Germany's defense business and employed over 50,000 people at its peak. The company underwent name changes reflecting its parent company's evolution: from Deutsche Aerospace AG (1989) to Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG (1995), and finally DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (1998) following the Daimler-Chrysler merger. DASA's operations spanned five main divisions: Aircraft, Space Systems, Defense, Civil Systems, and Propulsion. The company held a crucial 37.9% stake in the Airbus consortium, participated in major programs like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Panavia Tornado, and formed Eurocopter through a partnership with French Aérospatiale in 1992. Despite initial financial challenges, including losses exceeding DM 1 billion in 1992-1993, DASA successfully reduced its military dependence from 45% to 25% by diversifying into civilian markets. The company's strategic vision aimed to transform German aerospace from a 'junior partner' to an 'equal partner' in European aerospace cooperation. DASA's independent existence concluded in July 2000 when it merged with Aérospatiale-Matra of France and CASA of Spain to form the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), which later became Airbus Group, demonstrating its pivotal role in creating modern European aerospace industry consolidation.