GKN Aerospace selected to develop new UAS and engine by FMV

UK firm GKN Aerospace has been awarded a £12 million ($24.5 million) contract by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop a clean-sheet Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) demonstrator, including a dedicated turbojet engine, within 18 months

The programme aims to explore potential new low-cost capabilities for the Swedish Armed Forces and Air Force, says GKN. It is designed to foster innovation in both technology and in ways of working, emphasizing agile decision-making, customer inclusion, and continuous learning.

The UAV will be developed as a flexible platform, adaptable to a wide range of mission profiles. Final capability priorities will be defined by the end user, ensuring the system meets evolving operational needs, the company adds. The program will include ground demonstrations of the turbojet engine, fuselage, and onboard systems tailored to specific missions, culminating in flying demonstrations to validate overall system performance.

The development program combines GKN Aerospace structures and propulsion technologies from Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK and strengthens GKN Aerospace’s position as a trusted partner in Sweden’s national defence ecosystem, says the company.

“This programme is a great example of how we can work closely with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to rapidly explore new capabilities that are both innovative and cost-effective, “said Stefan Oscarsson, Senior Vice President Governmental Solutions GKN Aerospace. “It reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Sweden’s defence readiness and technological edge and builds on decades of trusted collaboration.

This initiative builds on GKN Aerospace’s long-standing partnership with FMV and the Swedish Air Force and reinforces its role as the licenced Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the RM12 engine powering the Saab Gripen fighter aircraft. Program leadership and engine development will take place in Sweden, with the airframe development carried out in the Netherlands.