GKN Aerospace to upgrade RM12 engine of Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighters.

GKN Aerospace has secured a contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the enhancement and development of the RM12 engine, utilized in the Swedish fighter aircraft JAS 39 Gripen C/D. This collaborative effort will involve FMV and SAAB.

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GKN Aerospace has secured a contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the enhancement and development of the RM12 engine, utilized in the Swedish fighter aircraft JAS 39 Gripen C/D  (Picture source: Saab)

Having fostered a strategic relationship spanning 90 years with the Swedish Air Force, GKN Aerospace holds an OEM-level responsibility for the RM12 engine. The contract, valued at £2 million (SEK 23.6 million), marks the culmination of a development initiative initiated by GKN Aerospace in 2019.

Beyond the refinement of critical engine components, this project encompasses the modernization of engine software integrated into the aircraft system. Collaborating with SAAB and GE Aerospace, who are also actively involved in the development, GKN Aerospace will oversee testing of the upgraded RM12 engine at its facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. SAAB and FMV will be responsible for conducting flight tests.

The upgraded engine is expected to not only deliver improved performance but also contribute to reduced lifecycle costs for the aircraft's users. Moreover, this initiative will bolster Sweden's position as a global leader in engine capabilities, setting the stage for continued support for the RM16 engine, which powers the JAS 39 Gripen E/F.

Stefan Oscarsson, Vice President of Government & Space at GKN Aerospace Engine’s business, expressed their pride in contributing to the strengthening of Swedish defense capabilities. He highlighted that this contract underscores GKN Aerospace's commitment to enhancing its competence and capacity to manage intricate, full-engine systems for fighter aircraft in the future.