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
South Korea Grounds AH-1S Cobra Helicopters After Fatal Crash
South Korea suspends AH-1S Cobra helicopter operations following a fatal training crash amid delays in fleet replacement.
This article summarizes reporting by South China Morning Post and official statements from the South Korean military.
The South Korean military has ordered an immediate suspension of all AH-1S Cobra helicopters operations following a fatal accident on Monday morning. According to reporting by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the crash occurred in Gapyeong and resulted in the deaths of two crew members. The grounding order remains in effect pending a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the incident.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny over the Republic of Korea Army’s aging fleet of attack helicopters, many of which have surpassed their original intended service life. Military officials confirmed that the aircraft involved was conducting training maneuvers at the time of the accident.
The crash took place at approximately 11:04 AM KST on February 9, 2026. The aircraft, an AH-1S Cobra operated by the Army’s 15th Aviation Group, went down on a riverbank in Gapyeong County, located roughly 55 kilometers northeast of Seoul.
According to military briefings, the two crew members on board, both Warrant Officers, were recovered from the wreckage in cardiac arrest. They were transported to a nearby hospital but were subsequently pronounced dead.
Preliminary reports indicate the crew was engaged in “emergency landing procedures.” In rotorcraft aviation, this typically refers to autorotation training, a high-risk maneuver where pilots simulate engine failure to glide the helicopter safely to the ground using the energy stored in the spinning rotors. While standard for pilot certification, autorotation requires precise handling, particularly during the final “flare” phase near the ground.
The AH-1S Cobra has been a staple of South Korea’s anti-tank capabilities since its introduction between 1988 and 1991. However, the fleet is widely considered obsolete by modern standards. Estimates suggest the Army still operates between 55 and 70 of these airframes.
According to defense procurement plans previously released by the government, the AH-1S fleet was scheduled for retirement by 2024. The continued operation of these helicopters in 2026 points to significant delays in the full deployment of replacement platforms, specifically the AH-64E Apache Guardian and the domestically produced KAI LAH (Light Armed Helicopter). This is not the first time the aging Cobra fleet has faced safety questions. In August 2018, the fleet was grounded after a catastrophic mechanical failure in Yongin. During that incident, a main rotor blade separated from the fuselage during takeoff, leading to a crash landing. That failure was later attributed to a defect in the rotor strap assembly, highlighting the structural fatigue inherent in airframes that have been in service for nearly four decades.
The Risks of Legacy Training Modernization Pressure
South Korea Grounds AH-1S Cobra Fleet Following Fatal Training Crash
Incident Details and Casualties
Fleet Status and Delayed Retirement
Previous Safety Concerns
AirPro News Analysis
The crash in Gapyeong underscores a critical dilemma facing modernizing militaries: the necessity of training on “high-risk” airframes while awaiting delayed replacements. Autorotation training is inherently dangerous even in modern aircraft; performing these stress-inducing maneuvers on helicopters approaching 40 years of service compounds the risk profile significantly.
We anticipate this incident will accelerate political pressure on the Ministry of National Defense to expedite the retirement of the remaining AH-1S Cobras. While South Korea has become a major exporter of advanced defense hardware, such as the K2 tank and FA-50 light combat aircraft, the domestic reliance on Vietnam-era derivative helicopters creates a stark capability gap. The tragedy may force the military to prioritize the delivery of the KAI LAH to prevent further loss of life among aircrews operating obsolete equipment.
Sources
Photo Credit: Reuters
Defense & Military
Grid Aero Raises $20M to Deploy Long-Range Autonomous Airlift
Grid Aero secures $20M Series A funding to develop the “Lifter-Lite,” a long-range autonomous aircraft for military logistics in the Indo-Pacific.
This article is based on an official press release from Grid Aero.
Grid Aero, a California-based aerospace Startups, announced on January 26, 2026, that it has raised $20 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Bison Ventures and Geodesic Capital, with participation from Stony Lonesome Group, Alumni Ventures, Ubiquity Ventures, Calibrate Ventures, and Commonweal Ventures. The capital will be used to transition the company’s “Lifter-Lite” autonomous aircraft from prototype to a fielded platform, specifically targeting military logistics challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike many entrants in the autonomous aviation sector that focus on electric propulsion, Grid Aero has developed a clean-sheet, conventional-fuel aircraft designed to address the “tyranny of distance.” By utilizing standard Jet-A fuel and a rugged fixed-wing design, the company aims to provide a heavy-lift solution capable of operating without traditional runway infrastructure.
According to the company’s announcement, the flagship “Lifter-Lite” aircraft prioritizes range and payload capacity over novel propulsion methods. The system is engineered to carry between 1,000 and 8,000 pounds of cargo, with a maximum range of up to 2,000 miles. This range capability allows for trans-oceanic flights, such as routes from Guam to Japan, which are critical for Pacific theater operations.
The aircraft utilizes a conventional turboprop engine, a strategic choice intended to ensure compatibility with existing military fuel supply chains. The design features Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities, enabling operations from dirt strips, highways, or damaged runways where standard cargo planes cannot land.
Grid Aero was founded in 2024 by CEO Arthur Dubois and CTO Chinmay Patel. Dubois previously served as Director of Engineering at Xwing and was an early engineer at Joby Aviation. Patel, who holds a PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford, brings experience from Zee Aero (Kitty Hawk). The leadership team emphasizes a shift away from the “electric hype” of the urban air mobility sector toward pragmatic, physics-based solutions for defense logistics.
“We are building the pickup truck of the skies, a rugged, affordable, and autonomous logistics network capable of operating in austere environments.”
, Grid Aero Mission Statement
The Investments from Geodesic Capital, a firm known for fostering U.S.-Japan collaboration, highlights the strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific. The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified logistics as a primary vulnerability in potential conflicts where traditional supply lines may be contested. Grid Aero positions its technology as an “attritable” asset, low-cost, unmanned systems that can be deployed in volume without risking human crews. The Shift to Pragmatic Propulsion
While the broader autonomous aviation market has largely chased the promise of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) technologies, Grid Aero’s successful Series A raise signals a growing investor appetite for pragmatic, mission-specific engineering. Electric propulsion currently struggles with energy density, limiting most eVTOLs to ranges under 200 miles, insufficient for the vast distances of the Pacific.
By opting for a conventional turboprop engine, Grid Aero bypasses the battery bottleneck entirely. This decision allows the “Lifter-Lite” to integrate immediately into existing defense infrastructure (using Jet-A fuel) while offering ranges that are an order of magnitude higher than its electric competitors. For military buyers, the ability to repair an aluminum airframe in the field is often more valuable than the theoretical efficiency of composite electric platforms.
What is the primary use case for Grid Aero’s aircraft?
The aircraft is designed for “contested logistics,” delivering heavy cargo (1,000–8,000 lbs) over long ranges (up to 2,000 miles) to areas without standard runways, such as islands or forward operating bases.
Why does Grid Aero use conventional fuel instead of electric power?
Conventional Jet-A fuel offers significantly higher energy density than current battery technology, enabling the long ranges required for operations in the Pacific. It also ensures compatibility with existing military logistics chains.
Who are the lead investors in this round? The Series A round was led by Bison Ventures, a deep-tech VC firm, and Geodesic Capital, which specializes in U.S.-Japan expansion and security collaboration.
Is the aircraft fully autonomous?
Yes, the system is designed for fully autonomous flight operations, allowing for “fleet-scale” management where a single operator can oversee multiple aircraft simultaneously.
Grid Aero Secures $20M Series A to Deploy Long-Range Autonomous Airlift for Contested Logistics
The “Lifter-Lite” Platform: Capabilities and Design
Leadership and Engineering Pedigree
Strategic Context: Addressing Contested Logistics
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Grid Aero
Defense & Military
Apogee Aerospace Signs $420M Deal for Albatross Amphibious Aircraft
Apogee Aerospace partners with Australia’s AAI to purchase 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibious planes and invest in India’s seaplane infrastructure.
This article summarizes reporting by The Economic Times.
In a significant development for India’s regional and maritime aviation sectors, Apogee Aerospace Pvt Ltd has signed a definitive agreement with Australia’s Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI). According to reporting by The Economic Times, the deal, finalized on February 5, 2026, is valued at approximately Rs 3,500 crore ($420 million) and involves the purchase of 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibian aircraft.
The partnership extends beyond a simple acquisition. Reports indicate that Apogee Aerospace will invest an additional Rs 500 crore ($60 million) to develop a domestic ecosystem for seaplanes in India. This infrastructure commitment includes a final assembly line, a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and a pilot training center. The move appears strategically timed to align with the Indian Navy’s recent interest in acquiring amphibious capabilities.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive collaboration between the Indian entity and the Darwin-based manufacturer. As detailed in the report, Apogee Aerospace, a special purpose vehicle of the deep-tech defense firm Apogee C4i LLP, has secured 15 units of the G-111T Albatross. This modernized aircraft is a “revival” of the Grumman HU-16, a platform historically utilized for open-ocean rescue missions.
To cement the partnership, Apogee has reportedly invested $7 million (Rs 65 crore) directly into AAI’s parent company, Amphibian Aircraft Holdings. This equity stake grants the Indian firm a long-term interest in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). According to the timeline provided in the reporting, the first aircraft is expected to enter the Indian market within 18 to 24 months, with a demonstration aircraft likely arriving within six months.
A central component of the deal is the focus on “Make in India” initiatives. The Rs 500 crore investment is designated for establishing local capabilities that would allow Apogee to service the fleet domestically. This aligns with the Indian government’s Union Budget 2026-27, which explicitly offered incentives for indigenous seaplane manufacturing and viability gap funding for operators.
The aircraft at the center of this procurement is the Albatross 2.0, also known as the G-111T. While based on a legacy airframe, the new variants are being rebuilt in Darwin with significant modernizations. The Economic Times notes that AAI holds the type certificate for the aircraft, which is the only FAA and EASA-certified transport-category amphibian in its class.
Key upgrades to the platform include: The timing of this commercial agreement coincides with a major defense procurement opportunity. On January 10–12, 2026, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking to wet-lease four amphibious aircraft for the Indian Navy. The Navy requires these assets for SAR operations, island logistics in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep archipelagos, and maritime surveillance.
Industry observers suggest that the Apogee-AAI partnership intends to bid for this contract against established global competitors, most notably Japan’s ShinMaywa. The ShinMaywa US-2 has been evaluated by the Indian Navy for over a decade, but high unit costs, estimated at over $110 million per aircraft, have historically stalled acquisition efforts. In contrast, the Albatross 2.0 is positioned as a cost-effective alternative, with a claimed unit cost significantly lower than its Japanese competitor.
We view this deal as a calculated gamble by Apogee Aerospace to disrupt a defense procurement process that has been stagnant for years. By securing a commercial order and investing in local MRO, Apogee is likely attempting to present a “sovereign industrial capability” argument to the Ministry of Defence. This approach addresses two critical pain points for Indian defense planners: cost and indigenization.
However, risks remain. While the ShinMaywa US-2 is a proven, currently operational platform with extreme rough-sea capabilities, the Albatross 2.0 is effectively a remanufactured legacy aircraft from a company that is still ramping up production. The Indian Navy’s RFI calls for an immediate wet-lease solution. Whether AAI can meet the operational readiness requirements with a production line that is still maturing will be the key factor in the upcoming bid evaluation. The promise of a demo aircraft in six months will be the first real test of this partnership’s viability.
Sources: The Economic Times
Apogee Aerospace Signs $420M Deal for Albatross Amphibious Aircraft
Deal Structure and Investment Details
Domestic Manufacturing and MRO
The Albatross 2.0 (G-111T) Platform
Strategic Context: The Indian Navy Bid
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: AAI
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