11 March 2026 – 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. Read more