GKN Aerospace Secures Frame Contract to Supply Ariane 6 Engine Components

GKN Aerospace Secures Frame Contract to Supply Ariane 6 Engine Components

IN BRIEF) GKN Aerospace and ArianeGroup have signed a Frame Contract for Ariane 6’s operational phase, ensuring GKN will supply LH₂ and LOX turbines for both Vulcain 2.1 and Vinci engines, plus the Vulcain 2.1 nozzle extension. Produced in Sweden and developed under an ESA programme, these components will support Ariane 6’s industrial ramp-up following its maiden flight and first commercial launch. The deal strengthens Europe’s independent space access and builds on a partnership exceeding five decades.

(PRESS RELEASE) BIRMINGHAM, 8-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — GKN Aerospace and ArianeGroup today formalised a new Frame Contract to support the operational phase of Ariane 6, cementing a partnership that spans more than 50 years and securing Europe’s autonomous access to space. This landmark agreement, the first of its kind for Ariane 6’s industrial ramp-up, commits GKN Aerospace to continue supplying mission-critical engine components throughout the launcher’s service life—following Ariane 6’s successful inaugural flight in July 2024 and its first commercial mission in March 2025.

Under the contract, GKN Aerospace will deliver key elements for both stages of Ariane 6’s propulsion system, all manufactured at its engine centre of excellence in Trollhättan, Sweden:

• Liquid hydrogen (LH₂) and liquid oxygen (LOX) turbines for the first-stage Vulcain 2.1 engine
• The Vulcain 2.1 nozzle extension
• LH₂ and LOX turbines for the second-stage Vinci engine

Developed in collaboration with ArianeGroup under an ESA programme, these components underpin Ariane 6’s flexibility and efficiency for institutional and commercial missions launched from Europe’s Guiana Space Centre in Kourou.

“We are proud to extend our long-term collaboration within the Ariane programme,” said Stefan Oscarsson, Senior Vice President – Engines at GKN Aerospace. “This contract secures our continued contribution to Europe’s launch capabilities as Ariane 6 enters full operation.”

Stéphane Nogatchewsky, Chief Procurement Officer at ArianeGroup, added: “This agreement represents a significant milestone in our exploitation phase negotiations and underlines our commitment to making the Ariane 6 ramp-up a success.”

ArianeGroup is an industrial company delivering critical missions for the space and defence sectors. With 8,300 highly qualified employees in France and Germany, ArianeGroup has unique expertise in access to space, covering the full spectrum of civil and military launch systems, including design, development, manufacturing, integration, flight preparation, operational readiness and end-of-life decommissioning. ArianeGroup is lead contractor for the Ariane 6 European launcher for the European Space Agency (ESA), and for the French oceanic deterrent force M51 strategic missile for the French Defence Armament Procurement Agency (DGA). Internationally recognised for its innovative, competitive solutions, ArianeGroup has expertise in state-of-the-art technologies, from the chemistry of propellants and composite materials, to liquid, solid and electric space propulsion systems. ArianeGroup also offers a broad range of space, defence and industrial equipment and services, both individually and together with its subsidiaries Sodern, Pyroalliance, Nuclétudes and APP. In the field of space launchers, ArianeGroup’s subsidiary Arianespace markets Ariane 6, and its subsidiary MaiaSpace develops and markets the reusable launcher Maia. ArianeGroup, equally owned by Airbus and Safran, posted consolidated revenues of €2.5 billion in 2024.

Media Contact:

ArianeGroup
Gregor WASCHINSKI
Tel: +33 (0) 7 81 21 41 75
gregor.waschinski@ariane.group

Camille SOHIER
Tel: +33 (0)6 49 00 90 75
camille.sohier@ariane.group

SOURCE: GKN Aerospace

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