GKN Aerospace revitalizes defense supply chain with C-27J nacelle deliveries

GKN Aerospace (Redditch, U.K.) announces the successful delivery of the first two C-27J nacelles to Leonardo Aircraft (Rome, Italy) since 2018, marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of its supply chain and production capabilities. The first nacelle was delivered in September 2024, followed by the second nacelle in October, aligning with Leonardo’s milestone to commence test flights and certification before year-end for the C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft.

The accomplishment reflects the successful engagement of more than 40 suppliers, the reestablishment of complex composite and assembly manufacturing capabilities, and GKN’s securing of business continuity for the C-27J nacelle over the next 5 years. 

“This milestone illustrates GKN Defence’s unwavering dedication to our customers and the expertise of our Cowes team,” Shawn Black, president Defence Airframe, says. The nacelle’s composite components are produced at GKN Aerospace’s Cowes site and integrated with a variety of parts sourced from the EU, U.K., and U.S., ranging from titanium machining to wiring systems. GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business manufactures the harnesses integral to the nacelle, exemplifying GKN Aerospace’s full-spectrum manufacturing capabilities.

GKN Aerospace has been a design and manufacturing partner for the C-27J program since its inception in the 1990s. This latest nacelle delivery underscores the strength and versatility of GKN Aerospace’s capabilities in complex aerostructures and its ongoing support of the global defense sector.