ArianeGroup and Airbus Defence and Space Sign a Major Supplier Contract for Ariane 6 Operational Phase

On March 11, in Les Mureaux, France, ArianeGroup and Airbus Defence and Space in Spain signed a new supply contract for the Ariane 6 operational phase, supporting the industrial ramp-up of the European heavy-launcher production rate.

The agreement covers the delivery of 27 shipsets including large lightweight carbon fibre structures for the Ariane 6 launcher.

The contract continues the long-standing collaboration between ArianeGroup and Airbus Defence and Space within the Ariane programme. Airbus Defence and Space is producing the interface structures for the Ariane 6 main and upper stages, the standard and heavy version of the launch vehicle adapter for the upper stage and the upper parts for all the boosters of Ariane 6.

This contract further strengthens European industrial cooperation and triggers activities across several Ariane 6 production sites, notably in Bremen, Les Mureaux and Kourou.

Anne Quillon, Chief Procurement Officer of ArianeGroup, said: “This contract is a further major step to secure the robust Ariane 6 production ramp-up and the operational phase of Ariane 6 in the coming years. With our European industrial partners, we are delivering on our agreements towards the commercial and institutional customers for Ariane 6 and securing Europe's autonomous access to space. I want to thank the teams within ArianeGroup and Airbus Defence and Space for their contribution to this common success and their continuous commitment to quality and innovation.”

Raquel González Sola, Head of Airbus Space Systems in Spain, said: “This new contract reinforces Airbus' commitment to the European access to space. By deepening our long-standing partnership with ArianeGroup, we are not just delivering innovative lightweight structures; we are directly contributing to the success of Ariane 6 industrial ramp-up. Our teams in Spain are proud to provide the advanced carbon fibre technology essential to making Europe's heavy-lift launcher a global benchmark for reliability and efficiency."