Fokker, GKN Aerospace’s business in the Netherlands, has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Airbus Helicopters. This MoU, which 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, will advance the development of critical systems and advanced composite technology for the Airbus H225M Caracal helicopter.
This agreement builds on an MoU signed between Airbus Helicopters and GKN Fokker in 2023. This collaboration laid the foundation for industrial participation in several areas, including engineering, electrical wiring interconnection systems (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, GKN Aerospace’s president (Civil Airframe), 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.”
Meanwhile, GKN Aerospace has confirmed that its CTO, Russ Dunn, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. The company says this honour recognises Mr Dunn’s “outstanding contributions to aerospace innovation, his leadership in advancing sustainable aviation, and his commitment to collaboration across industry and government.”