Avio and ArianeGroup have signed a new agreement that renews the industrial cooperation to ensure independent access of Europe to space. Europropulsion, a joint venture 50% owned by ArianeGroup and Avio, will supply the P160C solid rocket motors for the stabilized production phase of the European heavy launcher Ariane 6. The contract guarantees the production of the P160Cs for the next few years, until 2029, and represents a fundamental milestone for Ariane 6.
Jointly developed by ArianeGroup and Avio through Europropulsion, the P160C is a solid rocket motor common used both as a booster for Ariane 6 and as the first stage of Vega C, representing a constituent element shared by the two families of European launchers. This new engine offers significantly higher performance than the boosters currently used on Ariane 6 and Vega C, and has been qualified with static testing in 2025. The first launch of Ariane 6 equipped with the P160C is scheduled for second quarter of 2026 in the configuration with four boosters.
As part of the commercial agreement, Avio will also provide additional turbopump for liquid oxygen for ArianeGroup’s Vulcain engine, which equips the first stage of Ariane 6. ArianeGroup will in turn supply a series of components and equipment for the Vega C launcher. The cooperation is based on a historic industrial partnership between ArianeGroup and Avio and offers visibility to both companies for the next few years, at least until 2029.
Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio, stated: “Avio and ArianeGroup are very satisfied with the signing of this important industrial agreement, aimed at enhancing the synergies between Ariane 6 and Vega C to improve technology and performance, as well as to increase cost competitiveness. joint venture Europropulsionwhich today exceeds 30 years of activity, continues to represent a fundamental pillar of European access to space capabilities” said Martin Sion, CEO of ArianeGroup: “The ramp-up of Ariane 6 is fully underway. The arrival of the P160C engine opens a new chapter for Ariane 6 and Vega C. I would like to thank the ArianeGroup and Avio teams. The agreement demonstrates once again that cooperation is essential to guarantee European access to the competitive and autonomous space.”
The total value of orders associated with the signed contract exceeds 200 million euros for Avio.