Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • GKN Aerospace to upgrade JAS 39 Gripen's RM12 engine

Defence

GKN Aerospace to upgrade JAS 39 Gripen's RM12 engine

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has awarded GKN Aerospace a contract to develop and improve the RM12 engine, which powers the Swedish fighter aircraft JAS 39 Gripen C/D.


 
Image courtesy GKN Aerospace  

The engine upgrade will be implemented in cooperation with MV and SAAB. GKN Aerospace has built a 90-year strategic relationship with the Swedish Air Force and holds OEM-level scope of responsibility for the RM12 engine. The £2 million (SEK 23.6 million) contract is the last part of a development project that GKN Aerospace has been conducting since 2019.

Advertisement
ODU RT

In addition to enhancing key components within the engine, the development work also involves updating the engine software in the aircraft system. This will be delivered in partnership with SAAB and with GE Aerospace who is also supporting the development work. Upgraded RM12 engine testing will take place at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, with flight testing undertaken by SAAB and FMV.   

In addition to improved engine performance, the upgrade will also contribute to lower lifecycle costs for the users of the aircraft. The project will also strengthen the already world-leading engine capability within Sweden, ahead of the ongoing establishment of product support for RM16, the engine for the JAS 39 Gripen E/F.   

Stefan Oscarsson, Vice President of Government & Space for GKN Aerospace Engine’s business, said: "We are extremely proud to contribute to strengthening Swedish defense capabilities. The order means that we at GKN Aerospace continue to strengthen our competence and ability to handle complex, full-engine systems for fighter aircraft for the future."
 

 

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

 

 

Advertisement
Roke Roke
DE&S delivers innovative tech to HMS Richmond

Defence

DE&S delivers innovative tech to HMS Richmond

25 April 2025

Innovative technology that allows the Royal Navy to share combat data at speed during operations at sea has been installed on the T23 frigate, HMS Richmond, ahead of its operational deployment as part of the Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) heading for the Pacific Rim.

Dstl unveils advanced portable oxygen delivery system

Defence

Dstl unveils advanced portable oxygen delivery system

25 April 2025

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), in collaboration with Defence Medical Services (DMS), has unveiled an advanced portable oxygen delivery system designed to improve casualty survival rates for UK soldiers and civilians.

Chinook Maintenance School receives VMT system

Defence

Chinook Maintenance School receives VMT system

24 April 2025

Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter technicians now have access to latest generation interactive training technology to speed up their learning and development.

SME support from banks required to bolster defence strategy

Defence

SME support from banks required to bolster defence strategy

24 April 2025

Defence firms fear being debanked over ethical concerns amid the government's planned defence investment push and according to Heligan Group the UK’s defence strategy must include greater SME support from banks.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
ITSA sees positive start to 2025 for UK connector market

Aerospace Defence

ITSA sees positive start to 2025 for UK connector market

24 April 2025

The Interconnect Technology Suppliers Association (ITSA) has reported that in Q1 of 2025 the UK connector market showed strong performance, with sales up 11% up over Q4 2024 and up 7% on Q1 2024.

Cranfield partners with ADI

Defence Events

Cranfield partners with ADI

23 April 2025

The Academy of Defense Industries (ADI) and Cranfield University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Human Capability Initiative event to advance collaborative research and teaching and to build skills in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Advertisement
ODU RT