GKN Aerospace responds to UK Defence Investment Plan

GKN Aerospace responds to UK Defence Investment Plan

GKN Aerospace stands ready to drive ‘the next phase of the UK's defence innovation and industrial capability’ as the UK Government announces its Defence Investment Plan.

CEO Peter Dilnot said: “The Defence Investment Plan gives UK defence the long-term direction it needs, with sovereign capability and British industry at the core of our national security.

We welcome the government’s commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme, which secures the future of UK combat air and the industrial base that builds it. In addition to GKN’s extensive aerospace structures manufacturing capabilities, we also hold the UK's only sovereign capability in aircraft transparencies and coatings, based at Luton. A funded, long-term programme will keep that capability, and the skilled jobs that depend on it, in the UK.

“Autonomy and uncrewed systems are central to the UK's future defence, and as a British business we are investing our own capital to build them here, with over £20m already committed to increase advanced composites manufacturing capabilities at our facility at Cowes on the Isle of Wight for future crewed and uncrewed air vehicles. We look forward to working with Government to turn plans into contracts and resilient manufacturing capabilities at pace. GKN Aerospace remains committed to advancing cutting-edge technologies and driving the next phase of the UK's defence innovation and industrial capability.”