Saab and GKN Expand Gripen E/F Engine Cooperation — Saab and GKN Aerospace have signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on the engine used by Sweden’s Gripen E/F fighter, supporting the country’s objective of strengthening its domestic aerospace industry. Under the arrangement, GKN will become Saab’s partner for engine-related activities on the newer Gripen variants and gradually assume a larger role through technical expertise, engineering resources, and program support. The Swedish government has tasked both companies with developing national expertise in the engine, although financial terms and a timeline for the expanded partnership have not been disclosed. Saab and GKN already cooperate on the engine used by the older Gripen C/D, and the new agreement extends that relationship to the Gripen E/F, which Sweden is introducing to replace ageing fighter aircraft. The partnership comes as Sweden continues investing in Gripen production and development. In December 2025, Saab received an order to support the fighter program through 2028, including work involving test aircraft, test equipment, and simulators used to validate existing systems and develop new capabilities. In June 2025, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration ordered additional equipment for Gripen E production. Sweden is also pursuing international opportunities for the fighter. Ukraine announced its intention in May to purchase 20 Gripen E/F aircraft, while Sweden plans to donate up to 16 Gripen C/D fighters from its existing fleet. Thailand ordered four Gripen E/F aircraft in August 2025 under a 5.3-billion-Swedish-krona deal valued at approximately $529 million, comprising three single-seat Gripen E jets and one two-seat Gripen F, with deliveries scheduled through 2030.
