GKN Aerospace successfully tests new Gripen engine
The JAS 39 Gripen E's new engine is based on the one powering the F/A-18 Super Hornet. (Photo: Saab)
GKN Aerospace has been closely working with GE and Saab to build up the necessary infrastructure to support production and testing of the new RM16 engine for the Gripen E fighter jet.
GKN Aerospace has successfully completed the first test run of the RM16 engine that will power the Swedish Air Force’s JAS 39 Gripen E, the company announced on 27 October.
The RM16 is based on the GE F414 aero-engine used in the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
GKN Aerospace said it has been collaborating with GE and Gripen manufacturer Saab to construct the necessary infrastructure to support the new engine.
The Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) selected GKN Aerospace to be the product support and MRO provider for the RM16 in 2020.
‘Air defence is a vital part of the armed forces' operational capability as we continue to protect Sweden,’ Göran Mårtensson, DG of the FMV, noted in a 27 October statement.
‘GKN Aerospace has long been an important supplier in the aircraft engine domain, and I am convinced that it is both economically and operationally the best solution to retain this capability in Sweden, especially with the current levels of uncertainty around the world,’ he added.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
-
![British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026]()
British Army ACP project progresses with contract selection expected March 2026
Known as Project Nyx, the loyal wingman developed from this initiative will accompany the Apache 64-E and be used to complement tanks and artillery.
-
![Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV]()
Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 stems from it fulfilling a niche of providing reasonable capabilities at a low cost, leading to its acquisition by more than 30 countries including many in Africa; but there are reasons to be cautious about its potential future prospects.
