The two companies are teaming up again to develop and manufacture the GEK800 engine for collaborative combat aircraft and unmanned systems.
GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. signed an agreement to advance propulsion technologies for unmanned aerial systems and collaborative combat aircraft (CCA)-type aircraft, expanding on the duo’s 2024 agreement. The new partnership agreement lays the groundwork for the two companies to develop, manufacture, test, and field the GEK800 engine and explore other low-cost expendable turbofan engines.
“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,” said Amy Gowder, president and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace. “We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Kratos and accelerate development across various classes of unmanned systems.”
Kratos and GE Aerospace commenced work on another new engine: the GEK1500. The engines under development support unmanned aerial systems, collaborative combat aircraft, and similar applications for defense applications for the Department of Defense.
GEK800. Credit: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.
GE Aerospace Agreements
Last month, GE Aerospace signed agreements with two airlines:
Ethiopian Airlines Group signed two agreements with GE Aerospace: The first agreement involves 11 GEnx engines powering its Boeing 787 fleet, increasing it from 19 to 30 aircraft. The second agreement reaffirms its previous order for GE9X engines to power eight Boeing 777-9 aircraft, with options for six additional aircraft powered by GE9X engines.
In mid-May, Qatar Airways submitted the largest widebody engine order in GE Aerospace’s history during President Trump’s visit to Doha, Qatar: Over 400 engines will be supplied, including 60 GE9X engines, 260 GEnx engines, and additional options and spare units. The order, comprised of two separate deals, also includes maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service agreements for the supplied engines.
Qatar Airways will install these engines on Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft, adding to previous orders of 188 GE9X engines and 124 GEnx engines. With these deals, the company increases its total to 248 GE9X engines and 384 GEnx engines, bolstering Qatar’s aviation industry through improved efficiency, performance, and availability.
And in late May, GE Aerospace signed an agreement to authorize United Aero Group (UAG), an aerospace aftermarket service provider, to distribute its CT7/T700 engine parts and spares for a limited time. This will expand the distribution of GE Aerospace parts, materials, and maintenance solutions to areas not currently served by existing agreements.
“Our partnership with GE Aerospace has been instrumental in enabling us to deliver world-class service to our passengers as Africa’s leading airline,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “These agreements for GE9X and GEnx engines reflect our commitment to fleet modernization, operational efficiency, and sustainability as we continue to connect Africa to the world.”
Both deals include a service agreement for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the GEnx and GE9X engines.
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