Saab and GKN Aerospace will deepen their cooperation on the Gripen E/F fighter’s engine as Sweden works to strengthen its domestic aerospace capabilities.
The companies signed an agreement to establish GKN Aerospace as Saab’s partner for engine-related work on the newer Gripen variants.
GKN will gradually take on a larger role, providing technical expertise, engineering capacity, and support for the program.
The Swedish government tasked the companies with building up national expertise in the engine. Financial terms and a timeline for the expanded cooperation were not disclosed.
Saab and GKN already work together on the engine used by the older Gripen C/D. The new agreement extends that relationship to the Gripen E/F, which Sweden is introducing to replace its aging fighter fleet.
Sweden Continues Gripen Boost
The engine agreement comes as Sweden invests in production equipment and continued development of the Gripen program.
In December 2025, Saab received an order to support future Gripen development through 2028. The work includes support for test aircraft, test equipment, and simulators used to validate existing systems and develop new capabilities.
Earlier, in June 2025, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration ordered additional equipment for Gripen E production.
Sweden is also pursuing exports of the newer fighter. In May, Ukraine announced its intention to purchase 20 Gripen E/F aircraft. Sweden also plans to donate up to 16 Gripen C/D fighters from its existing fleet.
Thailand, meanwhile, ordered four Gripen E/F aircraft in August 2025 under a deal worth 5.3 billion Swedish krona ($529 million), including three single-seat Gripen E jets and one two-seat Gripen F. Deliveries are scheduled up to 2030.