The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed an agreement worth approximately SEK 390 million with GKN Aerospace to advance technology and concepts for Sweden’s future combat aircraft systems.
The agreement, under the Future Combat Aircraft System (KFS) Concept Program, covers concept studies, technology development and demonstrator activities through 2028. The work is intended to support Sweden’s long-term combat aviation capability while strengthening national technological expertise and freedom of action in a strategically important area.
Technology development for future combat aircraft
The agreement forms part of Sweden’s Combat Aviation Path Choice programme, which is expected to provide the basis for decisions on how the country’s combat aviation capability will be supplied beyond 2040.
The latest programme builds on work initiated in 2024 and brings together FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Research Institute (FOI), Saab and GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace will contribute to several technology areas considered important for the development of future combat aircraft systems. These include advanced cooling systems designed to manage heat generated by engines and high-technology onboard equipment, solutions aimed at increasing available electrical power, and technologies designed to reduce aircraft detectability.
The company will also support the development and testing of new working methods intended to make the development and implementation of future aviation systems more efficient.
Demonstrators to validate new technologies
A key element of the programme will be demonstrator activities, through which emerging technologies and development methods can be tested and validated before being considered for future aviation systems.
GKN Aerospace will additionally contribute analyses and evaluations of military propulsion systems, drawing on its long-standing experience and international collaborations across the aerospace and defence sector.
The company said the programme provides an opportunity to develop and validate technologies that could become important to future combat aircraft systems, while strengthening Sweden’s technical competence and reducing development risks.
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Nearly a century of Swedish military aviation experience
GKN Aerospace brings almost 100 years of involvement in Swedish military aviation to the programme. Its contribution combines propulsion expertise with international aerospace and defence experience and a broader systems perspective.
“This agreement gives us the opportunity to continue developing and validating technologies that could be crucial for future combat aircraft systems,” said Sara Eklöf, Business Area Manager for Defense and Space, GKN Aerospace. “Through close collaboration between authorities, industry and research, we strengthen Sweden’s technical competence, reduce risks and contribute to long-term national freedom of action in a strategically important area.”
The programme highlights the growing importance of advanced propulsion, thermal management, onboard power and systems technologies in shaping the next generation of military aviation capabilities.
