The GE426 is described as a next-generation propulsion system designed specifically for medium-thrust-class ACP missions. The contract will mature the prototype engine through preliminary design review while further refining system capability, producibility and cost.
The award follows GE Aerospace’s completion of the GE426 concept design review in August 2025. That milestone validated the engine’s architecture and allowed the company to advance the design into the next phase.
GE Aerospace said the new contract builds on its demonstrated ability to rapidly design, manufacture and test small engines for Air Force requirements. The company has also developed the GEK800 and GEK1500 engines in partnership with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions.
“We’ve proven we can rapidly move from concept to engine demonstration with the GEK800, and our focus now is on applying that process to the GE426 to ensure it provides the performance, affordability, and readiness the warfighter needs,” said Steve “Doogie” Russell, Vice President and General Manager of Edison Works at GE Aerospace.
GE Aerospace said it continues to invest in small, affordable engines that can be produced at scale. The company said these engines are intended to support autonomous combat platforms, collaborative combat aircraft and other advanced applications.
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Autonomous Collaborative Platforms initiative is focused on developing autonomous systems that can operate as coordinated teams alongside crewed aircraft. The programme is part of the Air Force’s broader work on future uncrewed and collaborative combat capabilities.
GE Aerospace said it is using advanced manufacturing, digital engineering and more than 100 years of propulsion experience to accelerate development. The company said the goal is to deliver engines tailored to the performance, affordability and scalability requirements of autonomous combat platforms.
