Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • GKN Aerospace to double F-35 canopy production capacity

Defence

GKN Aerospace to double F-35 canopy production capacity

GKN Aerospace today announced plans to double the F-35 canopy production capacity of its Garden Grove, California, US site



Image courtesy GKN Aerospace

A customer investment of up to $150m will support tools and equipment for the state-of-the-art new production line, which will help meet continued demand for the F-35 Lightning II over the next decade. Since the start of the programme, GKN Aerospace has provided F-35s worldwide with its unique high-performance cockpit canopy.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

The expansion will be completed by January 2027 and will see the new production line built near GKN Aerospace’s existing Garden Grove facility. It will create skilled roles across a range of disciplines, including manufacturing and engineering. GKN Aerospace currently employs around 540 people at its industry-leading Garden Grove site, which designs, manufactures and provides aftermarket support for advanced military and commercial transparencies.

Shawn Black President of GKN Aerospace’s Defence Airframe business said: “We’re proud and honoured to support the F-35 for the next decade. This investment is a crucial step, enabling us to provide the growing international F-35 fleet with the very latest transparencies technology, to help keep servicemen and women safe around the world. The agreements will also see more than 100 highly skilled jobs created at GKN Aerospace, as well as supporting thousands more jobs in the global supply chain.

Advertisement
ODU RT

"This investment is a win for GKN Aerospace, the F-35 programme and the many countries it supports and the team can’t wait to ramp up our production and deliver.”

Since the start of the programme, GKN Aerospace has provided the F-35 with the cockpit canopies, critical engine components, electrical wiring interconnection systems and advanced composite aerostructures. It also holds contracts to deliver the in-flight opening doors, flaperons and the arresting gear.

UK strengthens cyber defence cooperation in Asia-Pacific

Defence Security Events

UK strengthens cyber defence cooperation in Asia-Pacific

28 July 2025

The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence (ACICE) hosted the third Digital Defence Symposium (DDS) in Singapore, bringing together more than 300 senior defence officials, academics, industry experts and international partners from across 35 ...

Welsh employers recognised with Defence ERS Silver Award

Defence Events

Welsh employers recognised with Defence ERS Silver Award

25 July 2025

Seventeen of Wales’ forces-friendly employers have been recognised with the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.

Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed Chief of The Air Staff

Defence

Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed Chief of The Air Staff

25 July 2025

Air Marshal Harv Smyth CB OBE DFC MA RAF is to be appointed as Chief of the Air Staff and Aide-de-Camp to His Majesty in the rank of Air Chief Marshal

Royal Navy trials submarine launch of autonomous vehicles

Defence

Royal Navy trials submarine launch of autonomous vehicles

25 July 2025

The Royal Navy has been undertaking ground-breaking trials to demonstrate the launch and recovery of uncrewed underwater vehicles from submarines, delivered by the Submarine Delivery Agency’s Autonomy Unit in partnership with L3Harris.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Over 200 employers recognised with Gold Defence ERS Award

Defence

Over 200 employers recognised with Gold Defence ERS Award

25 July 2025

Employers from several industries have been recognised for their exceptional support to the UK armed forces community with the Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award.

Denmark buys four GA-ASI MQ-9B SkyGuardians

Defence

Denmark buys four GA-ASI MQ-9B SkyGuardians

25 July 2025

Denmark and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have announced the procurement of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT