GKN has three divisions: GKN Aerospace, GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy (company website). It is the Aerospace division that contains its military production. GKN was acquired by investment company Melrose Industries in 2018.
According to the GKN Aerospace website, “We design and manufacture innovative smart aerospace systems and components. Our technologies are used in aircraft ranging from the most used single aisle aircraft and the largest passenger planes in the world to business jets and the world’s advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft.” According to Melrose Industry’s 2021 Annual Report, GKN Aerospace had revenues of £2.5 billion in 2021, of which 34% was for military airframes. According to SIPRI, GKN’s parent company Melrose Industries, was the world’s 69th largest arms company in 2020, with military sales (from GKN Aerospace) of $1,470 million.
GKN’s website lists a large number of military fixed-wing aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, and missiles, that include GKN products.
In 2015 GKN bought Fokker Technologies and in mid-2016 this subsidiary was selected to maintain and service the landing gear on the Lockheed F-35 fleet in Europe and the Pacific (company website). However its involvement in the manufacture of the F-35 predates the purchase of Fokker.
