GKN delivers first upgraded Gripen engine

GKN Aerospace has delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine for the JAS Gripen to the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten).

The upgrade enhances the performance of the Gripen C/D fleet and forms part of a programme valued at approximately SEK four hundred million.

- The delivery marks an important step in strengthening the endurance of the Gripen system, said Stefan Oscarsson, business area president for governmental solutions at GKN Aerospace.

The RM12EP upgrade includes improved turbine components and updated software. It is intended to increase engine thrust, extend endurance and reduce operating and maintenance costs across the engine’s lifecycle.

GKN Aerospace - formerly Volvo Aero - has supplied fighter engines to the Swedish Armed Forces since 1930.

The company holds the RM12 type certificate, making it responsible for product support throughout the engine’s service life. Gripen operators send engines to GKN Aerospace’s Trollhättan facility for servicing and maintenance.

The RM12 is derived from General Electric’s F404 engine.

The first delivery follows collaboration across GKN Aerospace’s engineering, production, quality, procurement and logistics functions, in close cooperation with partners including GE and Saab.

- As the type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine, and with a long-standing partnership with the Swedish Air Force, we are proud to contribute to Sweden’s operational capability, Oscarsson said.

The RM12EP programme was launched in 2019.