GKN Aerospace, a number one aerospace manufacturing firm, and ArianeGroup, an aerospace firm primarily based in France, have signed a brand new Body Contract for the operational section of Ariane 6, securing Europe’s entry to house for years to come back and constructing on a partnership spanning over 5 many years. It’s the first settlement between ArianeGroup and a significant industrial associate as the brand new European launcher enters its industrial ramp-up.
The brand new settlement confirms GKN Aerospace’s continued deliveries to the Ariane 6 program all through the launcher’s operational life, following its profitable maiden flight in July 2024 and the primary industrial mission in March 2025.
ArianeGroup secures a number of mission-critical elements for the Ariane 6 launch car provided by GKN Aerospace, together with LH₂ and LOX generators for the first-stage Vulcain 2.1 engine; nozzle extension for the Vulcain 2.1 engine; and LH₂ and LOX generators for the second-stage Vinci engine. These elements have been developed in collaboration with ArianeGroup below a European Area Company (ESA) program and are produced at GKN Aerospace’s engines centre of excellence in Trollhättan, Sweden.
Ariane 6 is Europe’s next-generation launch car, offering unbiased entry to house and providing an environment friendly and versatile resolution for a variety of institutional and industrial missions. It’s launched from the Guiana Area Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.
“We’re proud to proceed our long-term collaboration throughout the Ariane programme. Signing this contract secures our future contribution to European house launch functionality and reinforces our partnership with ArianeGroup as we transfer ahead with Ariane 6,” stated Stefan Oscarsson, Senior Vice President of Engines at GKN Aerospace.
“This fruitful collaboration with a significant industrial associate is a crucial step in direction of the Ariane 6 program. I want to thank the groups at GKN Aerospace and ArianeGroup. This contract reveals the progress within the negotiations with our companions for the exploitation section and underscores our dedication to make the Ariane 6 ramp-up successful,” stated Stéphane Nogatchewsky, Chief Procurement Officer at ArianeGroup.
