Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Kratos Partner on Small Engines for Combat Aircraft
GE Aerospace and Kratos collaborate to develop advanced small turbofan engines for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
The defense aviation sector is undergoing a major transformation as GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions formalize a partnership to develop advanced propulsion systems for next-generation unmanned Military-Aircraft. Announced in June 2025, this collaboration targets the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, a key initiative aiming to revolutionize air warfare by integrating autonomous drone wingmen with traditional fighter jets. The partnership merges GE Aerospace’s extensive propulsion expertise with Kratos’ specialized experience in affordable engines for unmanned systems, addressing the need for reliable, cost-effective Propulsion solutions in future combat scenarios.
This alliance is particularly significant as it responds to a shifting defense landscape, where affordability, scalability, and rapid technological advancement are paramount. The CCA program’s focus on autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft underscores a broader trend toward networked, collaborative warfare, making propulsion innovation a critical enabler of operational flexibility and national security.
By combining resources and knowledge, GE Aerospace and Kratos are positioned to deliver propulsion systems that meet the U.S. Air Force’s evolving requirements for performance, cost, and production scalability. The partnership’s approach reflects a new era in defense procurement, one that values speed, adaptability, and cross-industry collaboration.
The formal teaming agreement between GE Aerospace and Kratos in June 2025 builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2024. This progression from informal cooperation to a binding partnership highlights both companies’ commitment to addressing critical needs in the rapidly expanding unmanned aerial systems market. Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, emphasized that the agreement and engine development “mark another step forward in our dedication to providing affordable, adaptable, high-performance propulsion systems for the future force.”
GE Aerospace brings over a century of propulsion technology experience and the ability to scale advanced designs for high-rate production, capabilities essential to meeting the Department of Defense’s ambitious procurement goals. Kratos adds over 20 years of expertise in developing and producing small, cost-effective engines for unmanned aerial systems, Drones, and missile platforms. This synergy targets what Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco describes as “some of the most important, mission critical and highest priority needs and requirements of United States National Security.”
The timing aligns with increased U.S. Air Force investment in the CCA program, as demonstrated by a $711.7 million budget allocation in March 2025. This funding shift validates the strategic positioning of the GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership in addressing emerging defense priorities.
“The formalization of this teaming agreement and initiation of development of these new engines mark another step forward in our dedication to providing affordable, adaptable, high-performance propulsion systems for the future force.”, Amy Gowder, GE Aerospace
The GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership centers on the GEK engine family, a technological leap in small turbofan design. The initial focus is on two engine variants: the GEK800 and GEK1500. The GEK800, unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show in 2024, is an 800-pound thrust engine designed as an expendable powerplant for cruise missiles, drones, and other short-duration military applications.
Traditionally, small engines for these applications have used turbojet designs, which, while simple and inexpensive, lack the fuel efficiency needed for extended-range missions. GE and Kratos have addressed this by fitting turbofan technology into a turbojet-size envelope, enabling superior fuel efficiency without sacrificing cost-effectiveness. The GEK800 measures about three feet in length and one foot in diameter, making it suitable for compact platforms, with a manufacturing cost target of “a couple hundred thousand dollars per unit.” The GEK1500 builds on this foundation, offering 1,500 pounds of thrust and tailored for CCA applications. Unlike the expendable GEK800, the GEK1500 uses enhanced materials and cooling systems to support the operational demands of collaborative combat aircraft. A prototype demonstration is scheduled for 2026, marking a crucial milestone for the program.
The GEK engine family’s modular architecture allows scalability to meet various platform demands, from expendable drones to reusable combat aircraft. This modularity is key to addressing the Air Force’s shifting requirements, which now consider lower-thrust engines for future CCA increments. The design philosophy prioritizes shorter operational lifespans, measured in hundreds rather than thousands of cycles, enabling significant cost reductions while meeting mission needs.
Craig Young, GE’s executive engineering director for hypersonic propulsion, noted, “The architecture for these small engines typically has been very cheap and straightforward because they’ve been turbojets, and turbojets just don’t give us the fuel burn and the efficiencies we need for the extended range in today’s fight.” The GEK family’s approach directly addresses this limitation.
Looking ahead, the partnership anticipates expanding the engine family to variants with 3,000 to 6,000 pounds of thrust, broadening applicability across the unmanned combat aircraft spectrum.
“We certainly have anticipated a whole family of these strike engines that could be upwards of 3,000 to 6,000 pounds thrust in the future as well.”, Stacey Rock, Kratos Turbine Technologies Division
The CCA program is a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, aiming to develop autonomous or semi-autonomous drone wingmen that enhance combat capability and reduce risk to human pilots. In January 2024, the Air Force awarded design contracts to five companies, later narrowing the field to Anduril and General Atomics for Increment 1 development. The program’s first increment is expected to procure 100–150 aircraft, with an eventual goal of over 1,000 units.
The Air Force’s requirements for CCA propulsion have evolved, initially targeting thrust ranges around 4,000 pounds but now considering engines with lower thrust for future increments. This shift aligns with the GEK engine family’s capabilities, positioning the partnership to address a broad spectrum of operational needs. Major General Joseph Kunkel remarked, “You’ll see a range of options, from low-end to potentially more exquisite. I tend to think that it’s probably going to be closer to this low-end thing when we start looking at the further CCA increments.”
The rapid pace of the CCA program, with critical design reviews and prototype flights scheduled within a few years, underscores the importance of agile, scalable propulsion solutions. The GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership is well-positioned to support these timelines and evolving requirements.
Kratos has invested $25 million in a new production facility in Bristow, Oklahoma, dedicated to assembling the GEK engine family. The facility is set to begin low-rate production in late 2026, initially focusing on the GEK800 and GEK1500 models. Its modular design allows for expansion to meet increasing demand and potential international sales. The production timeline aligns with broader CCA program milestones, with the first GEK800 “product engine” slated for testing by January 2026 and the GEK1500 prototype demonstration planned for later that year. This synchronized approach maximizes efficiency and reduces program risk.
By establishing domestic manufacturing capabilities, the partnership enhances supply chain resilience and supports Department of Defense requirements for U.S.-based production of critical military technologies.
The GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership operates within a rapidly expanding global military drone market, projected to reach $45.42 billion in 2025 and $96.6 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 13.3%. The CCA segment is expected to grow from $736 million in 2025 at a 14.6% CAGR through 2033. North-America leads the market, with Asia-Pacific and Europe emerging as significant growth regions.
Kratos reported Q2 2025 revenues of $351.5 million, with strong growth in its Defense Rocket Systems business. GE Aerospace reported total revenues of $11.0 billion for the same quarter, with robust growth in its Defense & Propulsion Technologies division. These financial results provide a solid foundation for sustained investment and innovation in propulsion technologies.
The competitive landscape is shifting, with new entrants like Anduril and General Atomics winning CCA contracts over traditional primes. The GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership, focusing on propulsion rather than complete systems, can potentially serve multiple contractors and international customers, reducing competitive risk and maximizing market opportunity.
“The combination of GE’s established production capabilities and Kratos’s specialized unmanned systems expertise creates barriers to entry for potential competitors while positioning the partnership to capture market share across multiple program increments and international opportunities.”
The GEK engine family’s integration of turbofan efficiency into compact, affordable packages is a significant engineering achievement with potential applications beyond military drones, including civilian unmanned systems. The emphasis on affordability and modularity reflects a broader shift in defense procurement philosophy, prioritizing rapid, cost-effective development over traditional long-life-cycle approaches.
The partnership’s model, combining an established aerospace leader with a specialized defense technology firm, demonstrates how cross-industry collaboration can accelerate innovation and address emerging national security needs. The intention to make GEK engines available to U.S. allies, pending government approval, further extends the partnership’s strategic impact.
As the CCA program matures and international interest in collaborative unmanned systems grows, the GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership is poised to influence propulsion development across multiple sectors and markets. The GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership marks a pivotal shift in military propulsion technology, blending established expertise with innovative approaches to meet evolving defense requirements. The GEK engine family exemplifies successful innovation in balancing performance, affordability, and scalability, factors essential for the future of unmanned military aviation.
Looking forward, the partnership’s ability to execute on ambitious development and production timelines, expand engine capabilities, and serve both domestic and international markets will determine its long-term impact. As the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program progresses, the GE Aerospace-Kratos alliance stands as a model for how industry collaboration can drive technological breakthroughs and support national security objectives in a rapidly changing defense landscape.
What is the purpose of the GE Aerospace-Kratos partnership? What are the GEK800 and GEK1500 engines? When will production of these engines begin? How does this partnership fit into the broader CCA program? Will these engines be available to international customers?
Revolutionary Partnership: GE Aerospace and Kratos Develop Next-Generation Small Engines for Collaborative Combat Aircraft
Strategic Partnership Evolution and Foundation
The GEK Engine Family: Technical Innovation and Performance Specifications
Design Philosophy and Modular Scalability
Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program Context and Strategic Importance
Manufacturing Strategy and Production Capabilities
Market Context, Financial Implications, and Industry Positioning
Technological Innovation and Strategic Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
The partnership aims to develop advanced, affordable small turbofan engines for unmanned military aircraft, specifically targeting the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
The GEK800 is an 800-pound thrust expendable engine for drones and missiles, while the GEK1500 is a 1,500-pound thrust engine designed for reusable collaborative combat aircraft.
Low-rate production is planned to start in late 2026 at Kratos’s new facility in Bristow, Oklahoma, with prototype demonstrations for the GEK1500 scheduled for 2026.
The partnership provides propulsion solutions that align with the CCA program’s evolving requirements for cost-effective, scalable, and efficient engines for autonomous aircraft.
The partnership intends to make the GEK engine family available to U.S. allies and partners, subject to government approval.
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Airbus and Singapore Complete Manned-Unmanned Teaming Flight Trials
Airbus and Singapore’s DSTA successfully demonstrated manned-unmanned teaming with the Flexrotor drone and H225M helicopter in flight trials.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
Helicopters and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have successfully concluded a flight campaign demonstrating advanced manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. Announced on February 5, 2026, the trials marked a significant step in the modernization of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), proving the operational viability of controlling uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) directly from a helicopter cockpit.
The campaign, dubbed “HTeaming,” integrated an Airbus Flexrotor tactical drone with an RSAF H225M medium-lift helicopter. According to the official announcement, the trials took place in Singapore and utilized a simulated Search and Rescue (SAR) scenario to test the system’s limits. The successful demonstration validates the concept of extending a helicopter crew’s situational awareness beyond their visual range while keeping the manned aircraft at a safe distance from potential threats.
The core of the HTeaming trials involved a high-level integration of hardware and software that allowed the H225M crew to exercise full command and control over the Flexrotor drone. Airbus stated that the system setup included a specialized modem, four antennas, a tablet interface, and mission software installed directly on the helicopter.
During the trials, which were physically conducted in January 2026 before the February announcement, the system successfully established a real-time data link between the two aircraft. The helicopter crew received live video and sensor data from the Flexrotor, allowing for rapid target identification and decision-making. This capability is particularly critical in complex missions where “eyes on target” are required before committing a manned asset to a high-risk zone.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the tactical advantage provided by this integration:
By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, air commanders are enabled with unprecedented situational awareness in complex missions and high-risk environments.
This collaboration aligns with the RSAF’s broader “SAF 2040” transformation strategy. The air force has been actively pursuing a “high-low mix” approach, combining high-end manned platforms like the H225M and F-35 with cost-effective unmanned systems. The partnership between Airbus and DSTA began formally in June 2025, leading rapidly to these flight trials less than a year later.
Ang Jer Meng, Director of Air Systems at DSTA, highlighted the forward-looking nature of the success in the press statement: This achievement gives us confidence to move further to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible for more dynamic operations. The successful teaming is a game-changer for modern tactical operations.
The trials relied on specific technical capabilities of the involved aircraft, as detailed in the release and supporting technical data:
The speed at which Airbus and DSTA moved from agreement (June 2025) to successful trial (January 2026) underscores the maturity of current MUM-T technologies. For Airbus, this is a critical proof-of-concept for the export market. By creating a modular, agnostic kit rather than a proprietary “walled garden,” Airbus positions itself to upgrade existing fleets globally, not just sell new airframes.
For Singapore, this reinforces the nation’s status as a premier technology adopter in the Asia-Pacific region. The ability to retrofit the existing H225M fleet with drone-control capabilities effectively acts as a force multiplier, expanding the fleet’s reconnaissance reach without the cost of acquiring additional manned surveillance aircraft.
Sources: Airbus Press Release
Airbus and Singapore Successfully Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming in “HTeaming” Trials
Operational Details of the HTeaming Trials
Mission Capabilities
Strategic Context: RSAF Modernization
Technical Specifications
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Embraer Signs Long-Term Support Contract for Hungarian C-390 Fleet
Embraer secures a service agreement with Hungary to maintain C-390 Millennium aircraft, featuring unique medical evacuation capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
Embraer has officially signed a comprehensive service agreement with the Hungarian Air Force to provide long-term support for its fleet of C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. The contract, announced by the manufacturer, is designed to ensure the operational readiness and availability of the two aircraft recently delivered to the NATO member nation.
According to the company’s announcement, the agreement encompasses a wide range of services, including logistics, maintenance, and technical support. This move marks a shift from the acquisition phase to the sustainment phase, ensuring that Hungary’s newly completed fleet remains mission-ready through Embraer’s expanding support infrastructure in Europe.
The service agreement leverages Embraer’s established “European footprint” to deliver maintenance and logistical solutions. While the aircraft are based in Hungary, the support network is anchored significantly in Portugal.
Industry data indicates that OGMA, an Embraer group company located in Alverca, Portugal, serves as the primary authorized service center for the region. Additionally, the newly established “Embraer Defense Europe” office in Lisbon coordinates these regional defense initiatives, facilitating cooperation among NATO operators of the C-390 platform.
The primary objective of this contract is to maintain the high reliability rates the fleet has already demonstrated. According to Embraer, the Hungarian C-390s have achieved a mission completion rate exceeding 99% since entering service, a statistic the manufacturer aims to uphold through this new support framework.
Hungary holds a unique position within the C-390 user group. It is the second NATO nation, following Portugal, to operate the aircraft, and the first to receive its full order of two units. The delivery timeline proceeded as follows:
A key differentiator for the Hungarian fleet is its specialized configuration. These aircraft are the first in the world to be equipped with a Roll-on/Roll-off Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This modular system allows the Hungarian Air Force to rapidly convert the tactical transport into a flying hospital, capable of performing complex Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and humanitarian missions.
In a statement regarding the aircraft’s versatility, Embraer noted: “The Hungarian C-390 is the first in the world with a Roll-on/Roll-off Intensive Care Unit in its configuration, allowing the aircraft to perform humanitarian missions and Medical Evacuation.”
Beyond medical missions, the aircraft retains the standard multi-mission capabilities of the C-390 Millennium, including the transport of 26 tons of cargo, air-to-air refueling (AAR), and operation from unpaved runways.
The agreement with Hungary arrives amidst a broader adoption of the C-390 Millennium across Europe. As nations look to replace aging tactical airlift fleets, specifically the C-130 Hercules, the C-390 has secured orders or selections from several European operators.
Current and future European operators include:
The signing of this service agreement highlights a critical maturity milestone for the C-390 program in Europe. While securing orders is the first hurdle for any defense contractor, establishing a reliable, regional logistics network is essential for long-term retention and operational success.
By anchoring support in Portugal through OGMA and the Lisbon office, Embraer is effectively creating a NATO-interoperable support hub. This strategy not only services existing clients like Hungary and Portugal but also prepares the groundwork for the incoming fleets from the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden. For Hungary, the specific focus on the ICU configuration underscores a growing trend among smaller NATO air forces to acquire dual-use assets that provide high value in both military logistics and civilian humanitarian aid.
Sources:
Embraer Secures Long-Term Support Contract for Hungarian C-390 Fleet
Scope of Support and European Infrastructure
Fleet Capabilities and Configuration
First-in-Class Medical Evacuation
Regional Context and Market Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
Embraer Press Release
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
US Coast Guard Accepts 18th Mission-Ready HC-130J for Sacramento Fleet
The US Coast Guard finalizes delivery of its 18th missionized HC-130J aircraft, enhancing surveillance and patrol capabilities at Air Station Sacramento.
This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Coast Guard and background legislative data.
The United States Coast Guard is finalizing delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J Super Hercules long-range surveillance aircraft. According to an official announcement from the service, the military-aircraft, designated CGNR 2018, is being accepted at the L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems facility in Waco, Texas.
This delivery marks the culmination of a complex two-stage procurement process. While the “green” (baseline) aircraft was originally delivered by manufacturers Lockheed Martin in January 2025, it has spent the last year undergoing specialized “missionization” upgrades. These modifications transform the standard transport airframe into a sophisticated surveillance asset capable of executing the Coast Guard’s diverse maritime missions.
The acceptance of CGNR 2018 is a critical step in the service’s recapitalization efforts. This specific airframe is slated to support the transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, which is shifting from the smaller C-27J Spartan to the larger, more capable HC-130J platform.
The journey from a factory-fresh aircraft to a deployable Coast Guard asset involves significant technological integration. According to the Coast Guard’s acquisition directorate, the aircraft underwent approximately one year of modifications at the L3Harris facility in Waco. This process integrates the service’s proprietary systems into the commercial airframe.
Key upgrades installed during this period include the Minotaur Mission System Suite. This government-owned, open-architecture system acts as the central nervous system of the aircraft, integrating sensors, Radar-Systems, and communications equipment. It allows crew members to gather and process surveillance data in real-time, a vital capability for search and rescue (SAR) and interdiction operations.
“The Coast Guard is completing final delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft, designated CGNR 2018.”
, U.S. Coast Guard Press Release
In addition to the Minotaur suite, the missionization process equips the Super Hercules with the AN/APY-11 Multimode Radar, designed to track maritime targets even in high seas and adverse weather conditions. The aircraft also received the Block 8.1 upgrade, which includes enhanced inter-communication systems, improved approach and landing capabilities, civil GPS integration, and expanded diagnostic tools. The delivery of CGNR 2018 is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing fleet. The service plans to acquire a fleet of at least 22 HC-130Js to replace the aging legacy HC-130H models. The new J-models offer significant performance improvements, including a 20 percent increase in speed and a 40 percent increase in range compared to their predecessors.
This procurement is supported by substantial legislative investment. According to background research on recent appropriations, the funding for this aircraft stems from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), signed in July 2025. This legislative package allocated approximately $25 billion to the Coast Guard, with $1.1 billion specifically designated for the procurement of six HC-130J aircraft and associated simulators.
The assignment of CGNR 2018 to Air Station Sacramento represents a significant shift in West Coast maritime capability. By transitioning from the C-27J Spartan to the HC-130J, the station will gain the ability to conduct longer patrols further offshore. The HC-130J’s range of approximately 4,900 nautical miles and endurance of over 20 hours will allow for extended search and rescue operations deep into the Pacific, a capability that is increasingly vital as maritime traffic and operational demands grow. We view this as a strategic consolidation of heavy airlift and surveillance resources on the Pacific Rim.
Sources: U.S. Coast Guard
Coast Guard Accepts 18th Mission-Ready HC-130J for Sacramento Fleet Expansion
The Missionization Process
Technical Enhancements
Strategic Deployment and Funding
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: U.S. Coast Guard
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