GKN Aerospace has successfully delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to its customer, the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a key milestone in the ongoing RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) programme. The delivery follows an earlier order from the Swedish Armed Forces valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million) for performance upgrades across the Gripen C/D engine fleet.
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 lifecycle costs. All work is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden, where the company is responsible for the development, manufacture, system support and maintenance of both the RM12 engine powering the Gripen C/D and the RM16 powering the new Gripen E/F.
The first delivery is the result of strong cross-functional collaboration within GKN Aerospace, spanning engineering, production, quality, procurement and logistics, together with key partners GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines will be delivered to the customer on an ongoing basis as planned.
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 upgraded engine will underpin continued operation and maintenance support, for which GKN Aerospace remains responsible.
