Sweden wants to expand its domestic expertise in the engine that powers the Saab Gripen E/F fighter, under a new cooperation agreement between Saab and GKN Aerospace announced on Thursday.
The agreement follows a Swedish government decision to strengthen national capabilities related to the General Electric F414-GE-39E engine, known locally as the RM16. GKN will progressively assume greater technical and support responsibilities within the Gripen E/F program.
Follow Air Data News: WhatsApp | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook
The move does not introduce a new engine supplier or replace General Electric, which developed the F414 in the United States. Instead, it seeks to give Swedish industry a larger role in maintaining and supporting the propulsion system throughout the fighter's service life.
GKN already has experience with the RM16. In 2020, the company began developing domestic support and maintenance capabilities for the engine at its Trollhättan facilities in Sweden. The latest agreement aims to expand those activities through closer cooperation with Saab.
Gripen C/D provides a different industrial model
GKN has a much broader role in the engine used by the earlier Gripen C/D. The Volvo RM12, derived from the General Electric F404, was adapted for Swedish requirements and has long been supported by the company's domestic engineering and maintenance operations.
GKN holds the RM12 type certificate and has responsibilities covering technical development, maintenance, repairs and long-term support. Its involvement also includes modernization work intended to extend the engine's operational life.
The Gripen E/F uses the more powerful F414, and Sweden does not have the same level of technical authority over its propulsion system. The new agreement could narrow that difference, although Saab has not specified which additional activities will be transferred to GKN.
The companies have not announced new manufacturing arrangements, investment figures or a timetable for the expansion. There is also no indication that GKN will take over production of complete F414 engines from General Electric.
Export customers could benefit from Swedish support
The agreement comes as Saab expands the international customer base for the Gripen E/F. Brazil remains the largest export customer, with an original order for 36 aircraft and a major industrial partnership with Saab through Embraer. The Brazilian manufacturer operates a Gripen E final assembly line at Gavião Peixoto and participated in the development of the two-seat Gripen F.
In July, Saab and Embraer signed a preliminary agreement covering the potential production of another 20 Gripen fighters in Brazil for international customers.
Colombia has ordered 17 Gripen E/F fighters, comprising 15 single-seat aircraft and two two-seat versions. Thailand has contracted four aircraft, while Ukraine is also entering the program through agreements with Sweden for new Gripen E fighters.
