GKN Aerospace to advance key technologies for Sweden's future combat air systems under new FMV agreement

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Sara Eklöf, Affärsområdeschef Governmental Solutions På GKN Aerospace

  • FMV has awarded GKN Aerospace a new contract valued at approximately SEK 390 million.

  • The agreement covers concept studies, technology development and demonstrator activities through 2028.

  • The work supports Sweden's Future Combat Air System Concept Programme (KFS) and long-term combat air capability planning beyond 2040.

  • GKN Aerospace will contribute expertise in strategic technology areas including thermal management, onboard electrical power and propulsion-related systems.

Sweden has taken another step in developing the technologies that could underpin future combat air systems, with FMV awarding GKN Aerospace a new contract under the Future Combat Air System Concept Programme (KFS). Valued at approximately SEK 390 million, the agreement covers concept studies, technology development and demonstrator activities through 2028.

The contract forms part of the Vägval Stridsflyg programme, which aims to provide the basis for future decisions on how Sweden's combat air capability will be maintained beyond 2040. The work continues activities initiated in 2024 and is conducted in close cooperation between FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), Saab and GKN Aerospace.

This contract enables us to continue developing and validating technologies that could prove critical to future combat air systems. Through close collaboration between government agencies, industry and research organisations, we are strengthening Sweden’s technological expertise in a strategically important area.

Sara Eklöf SVP Governmental Solutions - defence and space, GKN Aerospace

 

GKN Aerospace contributes expertise across several strategic technology areas considered important for future combat air systems. The work includes advanced thermal management solutions for handling heat generated by propulsion systems and onboard equipment, technologies to increase onboard electrical power, and solutions that can reduce aircraft detectability.

At the same time, new methods for developing and introducing future air systems will be evaluated and tested. Through demonstrator activities, both technologies and development approaches can be validated and assessed. GKN Aerospace will also contribute analyses and evaluations of military propulsion systems, drawing on the company's long-standing collaborations within the international aerospace and defence sectors.

Sara Eklöf, SVP Governmental Solutions - defence and space, GKN Aerospace, said:
“For nearly 100 years, GKN Aerospace has been part of the development of Sweden’s military aviation capability. By combining specialist expertise in propulsion with international market knowledge and a broad systems perspective, we contribute to the development of the next generation of combat air systems.”

The programme will continue through 2028, supporting technology development, demonstrator activities and analysis to inform future decisions on Sweden's combat air capability beyond 2040.