GKN Aerospace has been selected to provide technical product support and MRO for the Gripen E RM16 engines of the Swedish Air Force.

The RM16 is the Swedish name for the aero-engine of the new Gripen E aircraft; GKN Aerospace’s continued support of the platform was confirmed by FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration).

The engine is based on the General Electric F414 aero-engine, which powers the F-18 Super Hornet.

GKN Aerospace (www.gknaerospace.com) will closely collaborate with Saab and GE to build up the necessary infrastructure and competence.

The selection of GKN Aerospace reinforces its position in aero-engine support, and it effectively means that technical support and maintenance for all versions of Gripen aero-engines will be available in Trollhättan, Sweden.

GKN Aerospace is also the OEM and type certificate holder of the Gripen C/D RM12 aero-engine; it has been supporting the RM12 aero-engines since the first Gripen aircraft went into service in 1997.

GKN Aerospace employs 2,200 people in Trollhättan, and about 200 of them work in its military-engine design and support business.

Joakim Andersson, president (engines) at GKN Aerospace, said: “We are proud to further expand our relationship with FMV, GE and Saab to the new RM16 aero-engine.

“Our engine maintenance and support capabilities have served the Air Force since 1930, and it is great that we can further develop these skills in Sweden.”