GKN Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters seal new defence partnership
Royal visit to Toulouse marks agreement on Dutch H225M fleet
This agreement builds on the MoU signed between Airbus Helicopters and GKN Fokker in 2023
GKN Fokker, the Dutch subsidiary of GKN Aerospace, has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus Helicopters to advance composite technologies and electrical wiring systems for the H225M Caracal. The agreement was formalised during the visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Airbus in Toulouse recently.
This agreement builds on the MoU signed between Airbus Helicopters and GKN Fokker in 2023
GKN Aerospace, a global multi-technology leader in the aerospace industry, business in the Netherlands, has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Helicopters during a recent visit of their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Airbus in Toulouse.
In a press statement, GKN Aerospace says that the Royal visit highlighted the strategic importance of the long-standing relationship between Airbus, the Netherlands and the Dutch aerospace eco-system. The newly signed MoU follows the official purchase of 12 H225M helicopters by the Dutch Ministry of Defence and further strengthens the collaboration between GKN Aerospace and Airbus Helicopters. It will advance the development of critical systems like electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) and advanced composite technology for the Airbus H225M Caracal helicopter, creating a steppingstone for broader European defence cooperation and autonomy.
The statement adds that this agreement builds on the MoU signed between Airbus Helicopters and GKN Fokker in 2023. That collaboration laid the foundation for industrial participation in areas including engineering, EWIS design and manufacturing and aero structures.
According to the statement, Airbus Helicopters and GKN Fokker have a long-standing partnership, notably through their joint work on the NH90 programme as part of the NH Industries’ consortium with Leonardo. With this new MoU, both companies reaffirm their shared ambition to drive innovation, strengthen the aerospace industry in the Netherlands and Europe, and expand cooperation with Dutch industry and governments.
John Pritchard
“This MoU reflects the trust and shared vision between Airbus Helicopters and GKN Aerospace. Together, we are advancing aerospace technology and strengthening industrial cooperation in the Netherlands and Europe,” says John Pritchard, President Civil Airframe GKN Aerospace.
