A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, refuels an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, both assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, off the coast of Japan, Aug, 19, 2026. U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 conduct aerial refueling operations in support of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, demonstrating the Marine Corps’ ability to sustain and generate combat airpower. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

A U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, prepares to refuel a F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, both assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, off the coast of Japan, Aug, 19, 2026. U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 conduct aerial refueling operations in support of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, demonstrating the Marine Corps’ ability to sustain and generate combat airpower. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David Getz)

U.S. Marines Corps F/A-18 C/D Hornet jets assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, land on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan, during a harpoon exercise, Aug. 19, 2026. VMFA-232 stands ready to integrate and seize the strategic advantage to ensure stability in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Alejandra Vega)


A U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft assigned to the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron awaits pre-maintenance checks during RED FLAG-Alaska 26-3 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Aug. 20, 2026. RED FLAG-Alaska replicates Indo-Pacific operational conditions, integrating joint and coalition forces in training from simulated forward operating bases to improve response capability across the range of contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Demond Mcghee)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, pilot and commander of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, arrives at Air Show London Skydrive 2026, London, Ontario Canada, August 19, 2026. The F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team performs globally, embodying the Agile Combat Employment model by generating high performance sorties in austere environments with limited personnel and equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Diaz)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin W. Moore)

Less than a year after programme launch, GKN Aerospace unveils its uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) demonstrator for the first time
Demonstrates rapid progress from concept to demonstrator
Brings together propulsion, aerostructures and systems integration expertise from Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK
Marks the next phase of collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Armed Forces

Less than a year after launching a collaborative programme with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), GKN Aerospace today unveiled its UAV demonstrator, marking the first public presentation of the platform and a major milestone for the programme.

One year ago, this was an idea and an ambition. Today, we are unveiling the first tangible result of that work. That achievement reflects close collaboration with FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces and the combined expertise of teams across GKN Aerospace.

Joakim Andersson
President Engines, GKN Aerospace

The initiative was announced in November 2025 with the objective of developing a UAV demonstrator and dedicated turbojet engine within 18 months. The effort brings together expertise in propulsion, aerostructures and systems integration from Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK.

The programme includes the development of a dedicated turbojet engine, airframe and onboard systems. The demonstrator has been developed as a flexible platform for testing and evaluation, supporting the exploration of future uncrewed aviation technologies while providing valuable experience in how complex aerospace systems can be developed, integrated and manufactured on accelerated timelines.

Sara Eklöf, Senior Vice President Government Solutions, GKN Aerospace, said:
"This milestone demonstrates what can be achieved when engineering, manufacturing and customer teams work towards a common goal. The experience gained will be valuable as the programme moves into its next phase."

The initiative builds on the long-standing collaboration between GKN Aerospace, FMV, and the Swedish Armed Forces. Development and testing activities will continue as the programme moves into its next phase, including preparations for future flight-test activities.

The public display at The Armed Forces Air Venture 2026 includes a full-scale UAV mock-up together with the dedicated turbojet engine being developed as part of the programme. The event forms part of the Swedish Air Force's centenary celebrations.

About the programme
The Swedish UAV programme, initiated by an FMV contract in November 2025, involves GKN Aerospace designing a clean-sheet UAV demonstrator and dedicated turbojet engine to accelerate rapid capability development, innovation, and scalable production.