The history of Volvo Aero reflects the history of aviation with rapid development across a wide-range of exciting fields.From Sweden's first aero-engine to state-of-the-art technology for the 21st century, Volvo Aero has been there.
As the company expanded the military part became less dominant. In the 80's we started production of the RM12, the engine for the fighter aircraft Gripen. First delivery was in 1988. New in this military program was the ambition to export the Swedish fighter. In December 1999 an export contract was signed whereby the South African Air Force will purchase 28 Gripen aircraft from Sweden with the Volvo RM12 engine, delivered by Volvo Aero. This was the first firm export order obtained for the Gripen.
In January 2000 Volvo Aero and GE Aircraft Engines entered into a new, military cooperation agreement. The cooperation involves the F414 engine for the F-18 E/F, Super Hornet, aircraft series, which is the U.S. Navy's new volume program for their carrier fleet. The agreement is regarded as a big breakthrough for Volvo Aero. This is the company's first military engine program that is not connected to the Swedish Air force.