GKN Aerospace has successfully delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) programme. The delivery follows an earlier order valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million) for performance upgrades across the Gripen C/D engine fleet. The RM12EP programme, launched in 2019 and led by GKN Aerospace, forms part of long-term efforts to ensure the Gripen C/D remains a highly capable and cost-efficient fighter aircraft.
The RM12EP upgrade includes the installation of improved turbine hardware and updated engine control software designed to increase engine thrust, extend operating time, and reduce life cycle costs. All work is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, where the company is responsible for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine powering the Gripen C/D and the RM16 powering the new Gripen E/F. The upgraded engine will form the foundation for continued operation and maintenance support, for which GKN Aerospace remains responsible.
The first delivery resulted from strong cross-functional collaboration within GKN Aerospace across engineering, production, quality, procurement, and logistics, together with key partners GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines will be delivered continuously to the customer as planned.
Stefan Oscarsson, Vice President of Governmental Solutions at GKN Aerospace, stated: “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
GKN Aerospace has a long-standing role as type certificate holder and strategic partner to the Swedish Air Force. The RM12EP programme builds on this nearly century-long partnership, ensuring Sweden’s Gripen C/D fleet remains operationally effective with enhanced thrust, extended endurance, and improved cost efficiency for years to come.
