GKN Aerospace and Saab Expand Long-Term Collaboration on Gripen E/F Propulsion System
GKN Aerospace and Saab have signed a long-term collaboration agreement to strengthen their partnership on the propulsion system for the Gripen E/F fighter aircraft programme. The agreement expands GKN Aerospace’s role as an engine partner and establishes a broader framework for cooperation between the two companies in propulsion support, capability development and international business opportunities. The partnership is intended to strengthen the Gripen E/F programme’s long-term development, operational support and competitiveness in the global defence market.
Under the agreement, GKN Aerospace will become Saab’s preferred provider of engine services related to the Gripen E/F. This expanded role builds on the companies’ existing industrial relationship and reflects their shared commitment to supporting the aircraft’s propulsion system throughout its operational life. The collaboration will encompass engine-related activities, technical support, long-term capability development and contributions to Saab’s international Gripen campaigns.
The agreement represents an important step in deepening cooperation between two established players in the Swedish aerospace and defence industry. By bringing their expertise together, GKN Aerospace and Saab aim to strengthen the industrial capabilities required to support the Gripen E/F programme in Sweden and international markets.
Strengthening the Gripen E/F Propulsion Partnership
The Gripen E/F is an advanced fighter aircraft programme designed to meet the operational requirements of modern air forces. Its long-term success depends not only on aircraft performance but also on reliable propulsion systems, effective maintenance support and the availability of technical expertise throughout the aircraft’s service life.
The new agreement defines how Saab and GKN Aerospace will collaborate on engine and propulsion-related activities within the Gripen E/F programme. It provides a framework for closer coordination between the companies and supports the continued development of capabilities needed to meet the requirements of existing and future Gripen operators.
Through the expanded partnership, the companies intend to improve their ability to provide sustained propulsion support while developing the technical and industrial capabilities needed for long-term programme requirements. The agreement also establishes a basis for broader cooperation in customer support and international business development.
For Saab, the partnership strengthens access to specialised engine expertise and industrial support. For GKN Aerospace, the agreement expands its involvement in the Gripen E/F programme and creates opportunities to contribute more extensively to propulsion-related activities.
GKN Aerospace Highlights Long-Term Programme Support
Sara Eklöf, Senior Vice President of Governmental Solutions – Defence and Space at GKN Aerospace, highlighted the importance of the agreement in strengthening the company’s relationship with Saab and expanding its role in the Gripen E/F programme.
“Gripen is one of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft systems. This agreement strengthens our collaboration with Saab and expands GKN Aerospace’s role in supporting the long-term development of the Gripen E/F propulsion system.”
Her comments underline the importance of maintaining a strong industrial partnership to support the aircraft’s propulsion requirements over the long term. The agreement allows GKN Aerospace to build on its existing experience in engine maintenance and technical support while taking on a broader role in capability development and customer support.
As defence customers increasingly focus on aircraft availability, lifecycle support and reliable supply chains, cooperation between aircraft manufacturers and engine specialists remains an important part of sustaining military aviation programmes. Long-term agreements can help establish clearer responsibilities, improve coordination and support the development of specialised technical capabilities.
For the Gripen E/F programme, the expanded relationship is intended to support these objectives while strengthening the industrial foundation behind the aircraft’s propulsion system.
Saab Emphasises Industrial Cooperation and Global Competitiveness
Saab also highlighted the importance of strong industrial partnerships in supporting the Gripen programme and maintaining its position in the international fighter aircraft market.
Johan Segertoft, Head of the Gripen Business Unit at Saab, said: “Gripen is built on strong industrial partnerships. By deepening our collaboration with GKN Aerospace, we strengthen the conditions for continued development, high availability for our customers and a competitive offering in the global market.”
Saab’s statement highlights three key priorities associated with the agreement: continued programme development, high operational availability and international competitiveness. These priorities are closely connected, as customers evaluating fighter aircraft programmes consider not only aircraft capabilities but also maintenance arrangements, technical support and long-term operational sustainability.
Closer cooperation with GKN Aerospace is expected to help Saab strengthen the propulsion support element of its Gripen E/F offering. It also supports the companies’ efforts to coordinate their capabilities as Saab pursues opportunities with international customers.
The agreement therefore extends beyond the immediate provision of engine services. It establishes a broader basis for collaboration intended to support the aircraft programme as customer requirements and operational needs evolve.
Expanding Engine Maintenance and Customer Support Capabilities
GKN Aerospace already plays an important role in engine maintenance and technical support activities for the Gripen fleet in Sweden. The new agreement builds on this established involvement by broadening cooperation to include long-term capability development and expanded customer support activities for current and future Gripen operators.
Engine maintenance and technical support are essential to maintaining the readiness of military aircraft. Effective support arrangements help operators manage maintenance requirements, sustain aircraft availability and maintain access to the technical expertise necessary for continued operations.
By expanding its role, GKN Aerospace will contribute to a wider range of activities associated with supporting the Gripen E/F propulsion system. The collaboration is also intended to help develop the capabilities required to address future programme needs and provide support as the international customer base evolves.
The companies will continue discussions on strengthening long-term Swedish capability related to the Gripen E/F engine. This ongoing dialogue reflects the importance of maintaining domestic industrial expertise and ensuring that the necessary technical capabilities remain available to support the programme over time.
Although the agreement establishes a framework for expanded cooperation, the companies’ continued discussions will be important in determining how additional Swedish propulsion-related capabilities can be developed and sustained.
Building on GKN Aerospace’s Gripen Engine Experience
GKN Aerospace brings established experience in supporting the Gripen programme. The company is the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine that powers the Gripen C/D fleet, providing it with an important position in the aircraft family’s propulsion support ecosystem.
This existing role provides a foundation for the company’s expanded collaboration with Saab on the Gripen E/F. Experience gained through engine maintenance, technical support and propulsion-related activities can contribute to the broader industrial cooperation envisioned under the new agreement.
The Gripen C/D and Gripen E/F represent different generations of the aircraft family, and the agreement specifically focuses on propulsion-related activities within the Gripen E/F programme. GKN Aerospace’s established involvement with the RM12 engine demonstrates its long-standing connection to Gripen propulsion systems, while the new agreement broadens its partnership with Saab for the newer programme.
For both companies, maintaining technical expertise and developing long-term support capabilities will remain important as the Gripen fleet continues to serve Sweden and international operators.
Supporting the Future of the Gripen E/F Programme
The long-term collaboration agreement reinforces the relationship between GKN Aerospace and Saab at a time when sustained technical support, industrial cooperation and operational availability remain central considerations for defence customers.
By establishing GKN Aerospace as Saab’s preferred provider of engine services related to Gripen E/F, the agreement creates a broader framework for propulsion support, capability development and international customer engagement. It also strengthens the companies’ ability to coordinate their expertise in support of the programme’s long-term requirements.
The continued discussions on Swedish engine-related capabilities further demonstrate the companies’ intention to develop a sustainable industrial foundation for the Gripen E/F propulsion system.
As Saab continues to pursue opportunities in the international fighter aircraft market, cooperation with specialised industrial partners will remain important to supporting customer requirements and maintaining a competitive offering. GKN Aerospace’s expanded role is expected to contribute to these objectives through its engine expertise and experience in the Gripen programme.
Overall, the agreement marks a significant development in the long-term partnership between GKN Aerospace and Saab. By broadening their cooperation across engine services, technical support and capability development, the two companies aim to strengthen support for the Gripen E/F propulsion system and help ensure that the programme remains well positioned to meet the needs of Sweden and future international customers.
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