General Atomics

NP Aerospace completes acquisition of Iten Defense

With its acquisition of Iten Defense, NP Aerospace has established a US manufacturing presence, expanding its capabilities as an international provider of advanced armour, survivability and engineered protection solutions.

Sea survivability
Photo: NP Aerospace

NP Aerospace today confirmed the successful completion of its acquisition of Iten Defense, a US-based specialist provider of advanced defence protection solutions, from Edgewater Capital Partners and other minority shareholders.

The transaction concluded on 10th September, following the definitive agreement announced on 22nd June 2026 and the completion of the required closing conditions and regulatory approvals under the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

How the acquisition will increase international manufacturing operations and growth

The completion of the acquisition signals the next phase of both companies’ growth plans. Iten Defense will continue to operate under the Iten Defense brand and existing leadership team. NP Aerospace will continue to run its operations and support global customers from its two manufacturing sites in Coventry, UK and its operation in London, Ontario, Canada.

The combination of complementary expertise and technical know-how is expected to accelerate growth and increase revenues across the NP Aerospace global enterprise.

Photo: NP Aerospace

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Iten Defense team to our global enterprise. Their focus on protecting and saving lives is a strong fit with our mission and customers will benefit from complementary capabilities and increased manufacturing capacity as the integration progresses.”

Damon Walsh, CEO, Iten Defense, said: “Joining NP Aerospace marks an exciting new chapter for Iten Defense. Our shared commitment to advanced protection makes this a natural fit, creating new opportunities to strengthen our capabilities, support our customers and accelerate growth from our Ashtabula facility.”

Forging a specialist portfolio of complementary defence engineering capabilities

Iten Defense, headquartered in Ashtabula, Ohio, gives NP Aerospace an established US manufacturing presence and significantly expands its advanced armour production capability. The business specialises in opaque and transparent composite armour solutions for land, maritime and aerospace applications, complementing NP Aerospace’s portfolio of personal protection, platform survivability, vehicle systems and engineered composites.

Iten Defense will continue to operate from its Ashtabula facility, ensuring continuity for customers and employees while the businesses identify opportunities across engineering, manufacturing and product development. The Ohio site is also set for further expansion, with plans to accommodate up to 100 new jobs over the next several years.

The acquisition has been supported with funding from Export Development Canada (EDC) and NatWest Group plc, providing financing for the transaction and additional working capital to support NP Aerospace’s international growth.

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