GKN Aerospace’s business in the Netherlands, GKN Fokker, has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Helicopters during the visit of Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Airbus in Toulouse on October 1.

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.

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 aerostructures.

Airbus Helicopters and GKN Fokker have a long-standing partnership, notably through their joint work on the NH90 programme as part of the NHIndustries 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, President Civil Airframe of GKN Aerospace said:

"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"