Kratos and GE Aerospace secure U.S. Air Force contract to develop GEK1500 engine for Collaborative Combat Aircraft

The GEK1500 is a 1,500-pound-thrust jet engine that could potentially power unmanned aerial systems, collaborative combat aircraft and missiles. Its design leverages the GEK800 cruise missile engine architecture, which is currently completing technical maturation.

An additional option under the contract, if exercised, would allow the team to assess key design risks and characterize engine performance under relevant flight and installation conditions. The Air Force has prioritized the development of high-performing and low-cost engines to enable the disruptive capabilities of small CCAs.

Stacey Rock, President of Kratos Turbine Technologies Division, said, “Building on the success of our GEK800 engine program, the development of the GEK1500 further demonstrates our team’s ability and commitment to deliver high-performance, affordable, jet engines that can be rapidly produced to meet the demands of our defense customers.” Her statement links the new award directly to progress achieved under the earlier GEK800 program.

Steve “Doogie” Russell, Vice President and General Manager of Edison Works at GE Aerospace, added, “Lessons learned from recent GEK800 altitude testing are directly informing GEK1500 — improving thrust, power generation, and lifecycle cost — so we can meet CCA requirements without compromising affordability or schedule.” He emphasized that recent testing results are shaping the new engine’s development path.

Recent altitude testing of the GEK800 demonstrated critical technologies that are expected to provide future systems with increased range, greater thrust, lower lifecycle costs and higher electrical power. Investments and progress made on the GEK800 are intended to reduce both cost and schedule timelines for the GEK1500 while enhancing performance for small CCAs.

In June, the two companies announced a formal teaming agreement to advance propulsion technologies for the next generation of affordable unmanned aerial systems and CCA-type aircraft, covering the GEK800 and a framework for additional engines. A further formal teaming agreement now covers the GEK1500, building on a 2024 memorandum of understanding to advance the development and production of small, cost-effective engines for unmanned platforms.

The expanded agreement provides the framework for the companies to develop, manufacture, test and field the GEK800 and additional GEK engines in higher thrust classes. Kratos brings more than 25 years of experience in developing and producing small, affordable engines for unmanned aerial systems, drones and missile platforms, while GE Aerospace contributes a century of propulsion expertise and the capacity to scale advanced designs into high-rate production.