NP Aerospace to Acquire Iten Defense to Expand Advanced Composite Armor Portfolio

Updated on July 01, 2026 • 3 min read

NP Aerospace has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Iten Defense, a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced defense protection solutions, strengthening its position in the global market for composite armor and survivability technologies.

The acquisition, which remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, will expand NP Aerospace’s portfolio of advanced protection systems while enhancing its manufacturing capabilities in North America.

Acquisition Expands Composite Protection Capabilities

Based in the United Kingdom, NP Aerospace develops advanced ballistic protection systems for military and security customers, including ballistic helmets, body armor plates, vehicle armor, and platform protection solutions manufactured using advanced composites, ceramics, and engineered materials.

Iten Defense, headquartered in Ohio, specializes in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced composite technologies used across a wide range of defense applications, including:

• Personal protective equipment
• Fixed-wing aircraft
• Rotary-wing aircraft
• Tactical military vehicles
• Maritime defense platforms

The combination brings together complementary expertise in lightweight armor technologies designed to improve survivability while reducing system weight.

Strengthening Global Defense Supply Capabilities

According to James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, the acquisition represents an important step in the company’s long-term growth strategy.

He said the transaction will strengthen NP Aerospace’s advanced protection technology portfolio while adding Iten Defense’s manufacturing expertise and technical capabilities to support defense customers worldwide.

Until the transaction closes, both companies will continue operating independently.

Industry Perspective

Demand for lightweight composite armor continues to increase as defense programs prioritize greater mobility, improved survivability and higher payload efficiency.

Materials such as UHMWPE fiber composites have become increasingly important because they offer high ballistic performance at significantly lower weight than traditional metallic armor, making them well suited for body armor, aircraft protection systems, tactical vehicles and naval applications.

By combining NP Aerospace’s integrated armor system expertise with Iten Defense’s composite manufacturing capabilities, the acquisition positions the combined business to address growing demand for advanced protection solutions across international defense markets.

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Outlook

As military modernization programs accelerate worldwide, suppliers capable of delivering advanced composite armor systems at scale are expected to become increasingly strategic partners for defense OEMs and government agencies. If completed, the acquisition will strengthen NP Aerospace’s presence in North America while broadening its portfolio of lightweight protection technologies for next-generation defense platforms.