Following Ariane 6’s successful maiden flight in July 2024 and its first commercial launch in March 2025, the contract confirms GKN Aerospace’s continued supply of critical components for the duration of the launch vehicle’s operational life. These include LH2 and LOX turbines for the Vulcain 2.1 first-stage engine, the Vulcain 2.1 nozzle extension, and LH2 and LOX turbines for the Vinci second-stage engine.
All components have been developed in partnership with ArianeGroup under a European Space Agency programme and are manufactured at GKN Aerospace’s engines centre of excellence in Trollhättan, Sweden. Ariane 6, launched from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, is designed to offer flexible, efficient launch services for institutional and commercial missions, ensuring Europe’s autonomous access to space.
“We are proud to continue our long-term collaboration within the Ariane programme,” said Stefan Oscarsson, Senior Vice President Engines at GKN Aerospace. “Signing this contract secures our future contribution to European space launch capability and reinforces our partnership with ArianeGroup as we move forward with Ariane 6.”
Stéphane Nogatchewsky, Chief Procurement Officer at ArianeGroup, welcomed the agreement, saying: “This fruitful collaboration with a major industrial partner is an important step towards the Ariane 6 programme. I would like to thank the teams at GKN Aerospace and ArianeGroup. This contract shows the progress in the negotiations with our partners for the exploitation phase and underscores our determination to make the Ariane 6 ramp-up a success.”
GKN Aerospace has been a key contributor to the Ariane programme since its inception, with a consistent focus on innovation, reliability, and industrial excellence. This latest contract strengthens the collaboration as both companies continue supporting Europe’s long-term space strategy.
