Saab and GKN Aerospace sign cooperation deal on Gripen E/F engine, following Swedish government decision

Saab and GKN Aerospace have signed a cooperation agreement on engine and propulsion systems for the Gripen E/F fighter, Saab said on 8 October. The company describes it as the groundwork for closer collaboration, building on an existing engine partnership for the earlier Gripen C/D.

A Swedish government decision behind the deal

In its press release, Saab says the Swedish Government recently decided to strengthen Sweden’s national capability and expertise related to the Gripen E/F engine. Saab and GKN Aerospace were tasked with jointly creating the conditions needed to meet that goal, and the new agreement is the result.

Under the arrangement, GKN Aerospace is to take on a progressively larger role in engine-related matters for the programme, providing expertise, capacity and technical support. Saab does not give a contract value, a timeline or the engine model in the release.

Johan Segertoft, head of Saab’s business unit Gripen, said the agreement lays the foundation for establishing GKN Aerospace as Saab’s partner in engine-related matters. He added that strengthening Sweden’s fighter aircraft capability is of utmost importance to Saab.

The wider Gripen E programme

The announcement follows another Gripen E milestone came a day after Saab reported the first Gripen E produced in Brazil had made its maiden flight; Geopolitiki covered it here: Brazil: First Gripen E built by Embraer makes its maiden flight.